LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 




Entered according to Act of Congress in th.- year isso, by Jamks II. 
1^ Kynkk, in the oflico of tlie Lil)rari m of Congress at Washington. j 



FREDERICK, 





©ar&3H£, MSB. 



Dealer in all kinds of 



Felt Hats and Military Trimmings. 

GILT CORDS FOR G. A. R. HATS. 

MERCHANT TAILOR 




Military ^nit^ ki\d lJi|if oi'm^ 

A S- ECIAr.TV. A iAllGE STOCK OF 

IMPORTED & DOMESTIC CLOTHS 

ALWAYS ON HAND. 



815 South 13t'-i Street, between Farnam and Do 'ge, 

OMAHA, NEB. 



ODES, 

HYMNS AND SONGS 




^ 




^ 




^ 



SONGS THAT WERE 

SUNG ON THE MAECH, AKOUND THE CAMP- 

FIEE, AND IN THE PEISON, BY THE 

LOYAL MEN OF FEEEDOM'S 

GEAND AEMY. 



COMPILED AND PUBLISHED ^Y 

Comrade JAMES H: I^YNER, 

Of Geo. A. Custer Post No. 7, l5ept. of Neb., G. A. R. 



a' 




OMAHA, 

HENRY GIBSON, HERALD PRINTING AND BINDING ESTABLISHMENT. 
1880. 



INSURE Yoft'k'LIFE I 




■\Vitli the Old and K-eliable- 




(' v^ Mutual Life Insurance Co. 



Company Purely Mutual, Charter Perpetual. 

ALL POLICIES NON-FORFEITING BY LAW, 

Diuidends Paid Annually in Cash on all Policies. 



INSURE, to build your wife and little ones a home in the event of 
your death. 

INSUIIE, to cover the mortgages or other liabilities which you ex- 
pect to liquidate if you live. 

INSURE, for the benefit of those dependent upon you. 

If you are young, insure upon ihe endowment plan as the best pro- 
vision you can make for yourself in the future. 

Why insure you'- property, which may never be destroyed by fire, 
whilst your life, which is certain to be terminated by death, remains un- 
insured. 

EVERY MAN SHOULD HAVE A LIFE POLICY. 

A large number of our best citizens are already insured in the "HAN- 
COCK." Ask yourself why you should not make the same provision for 
your dependent ones that your neighbors do. 

Any information you may desire in regard to the matter will be 
gladly given you by addressing 

JAMES H. KYNER, State Agent, 

No. 5. Hubermann Block, OlMAHA. 

This is the only Company in the United States that never has forfeit- 
ed a policy for the non-payment of the premium. 

A liberal contract will be made with Agents who mean business and 
who can tell the truth while soliciting. 



ODES, HYMNS AND SONGS 

OF THE 

GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC 



OPE]»I]S^€l OBE. 



{Air— ''Home Again'') 

Once again, once again, Comrades liere we meet, 

And gatli'ring ronnd the kindling fire, 

Our words of cheer repeat. 

'Tis here remembrance fills the cup, 

'Tis here she warms the heart, 

And as we hear the well known name. 

Her sleeping echoes start. 

CIIOKUS. 

Once again, once again, Comrades here we meet, 
And gath'ring round the kindling fire. 
Our words of cheer repeat. 

Happy days, happy days, Days of joy and dread. 

Come sweeping thro' the vale of thought, 

Like hosts to victory led. 

And conq'ring all the time between. 

We live the past once more. 

While still the rainbow tint of hope 

The future arches o'er. 



ODES, HYMNS AND 



OKEETIXO ODE. 



{Air— ''Glory Halleltijali.") 

Warm be the welcome and glad be the cheer, 
Greeting onr comrades who join with us here, 
Warm as in days when with never a fear, 
A\^e all went marching on. 

CHORUS. 

Glory, glory, Hallelujah, 
Glory, glory, glory Hallelujah, 
Glory, glory. Hallelujah, 
We all go marching on. 

Held by fraternity in bonds that are sure. 
Drawn close in charity by ties that are pure. 
Filled with a loyalty that ever shall endure, 
We still go marching on. 

Chorus.— Glory, glory, Hallelujah, c*tc. 

Elbow to elbow we stood through the fight, 
Elbow to elbow we stand here to-night. 
Elbow to elbow 'till heaven is in sight. 
We all go marching on. 

Chorus.— Glory, glory. Hallelujah, &c. 



SONGS OF THE G. A. K. 



MIJJSTER-IIV ODE. 



(Air— "America.'') 

My country 'tis of thee, 

Sweet land of liberty, 

Of thee I sing ; 

Land where my comrades died. 

Land of the pilgrims' pride, 

Erom ev'ry mountain side, 

Let freedom ring. 

Our fathers, God to thee. 

Author of liberty, 

To thee we sing. 

Long may our land be bright 

"With freedom's holy light. 

Protect us by thy might, 

Great God our King. 



ODES, HYMNS AND 



BAI>G£ OD£. 



{Air— ''Hold the Fortr) 

Comrade, take this badge of Freedom 

Our Republic gives, 

Let it be tlie sign that honor 

Ever loyal lives. 

CHORUS. 

Wear the badge and keep it shining, 
All life's journej' througii, 
Ever as the glorious emblem 
Of the work we do. 

Then, proud eagle, still soar sunward ; 
Elag, your folds swing loose; 
Love shall shield the helpless orphan. 
Eili the widow's cruse. 

Chorus.— Wear the badge, &c. 

Let it promise still thy country, 
Manhood staunch and true, 
And the star shall glisten brighter 
When she calls for you ! 

Chorus.— "W^ear the badge, &c. 



SONGS OF THE G. A. R. 



CAMP-FIRJE ODE. 



{Air— ''Marching Along.'') 

Hurrah, boys! a halt! pass it on down the road, 
We'll unsling the knapsack, and cast off the load; 
We're all brigadiers till the next bugle call. 
So "each for himself and the Lord for us all." 

CHORUS. 

Light up the fires as we halt in the tramp, 
Naught like the camp-fire ever cheers up the camp ; 
'Tis right here the soldier gets his fondest desire. 
Then light up the camp-fire, comrades, light up the fire. 

And now for tlie beans, and the hard-tack as well ; 
And now comes the coffee, O God, bless the smell! 
The salt-junk is here, but the smell never mind, 
As "each for himself," we can all go it blind. 

Chorus.— Light up the fires, &c. 

And now fill the pipes, boys, and pass 'round the weed ; 
'Tis no time to think who's the next one to bleed. 
We're comrades the same, though we stand or we fall, 
We're "each for the Flag, and the Lord for us all." 

Chorus.— Light up the fires, &c. 



ODES, HYMNS AND 



CliOSIXO ODE. 



(Air—"AuId Lang Syne") 

Shall we forget those far-off days, 
Which made us comrades all? 
Shall we forget how swift the feet 
That ran at duty's call ? 
Shall we forget the honored dead, 
That sleep beneath the sod, 
Who gave their lives for liberty. 
Our country and our God? 

No, here we pledge fraternity, 

With ev'ry human life, 

That sang the songs of vict'ry won, 

Or fell amid the strife ; 

And when at last we answer here, 

As death each name shall call. 

We'll leave these ranks with charity, 

And loyalty to all. 



SONGS OF THE G. A. R. 



STAR SPA X^^LE D BANNER. 

Oh! say, can you see by the dawn's early light, 

What so proudly we hail'd at the twilight's last gleaming; 
AVhose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous 
fight, 

O'er the ramparts we watch'd, were so gallantly streaming, 
And the rocket's red glareTthe bombs bursting in air. 
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. 

Oh ! say, does the star-spangled banner still wave, 

O'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave ? 
On the shore, dimly seen through the mist of the deep. 

Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes. 
What is that, which the breeze o'er the towering steep, 

As it fitfully blows, half conceal'd, half discloses? 
Xow it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam. 
In full glory refiected now shines on the stream ; 

'Tis the star-spangled banner, Oh ! long may it wave. 

O'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave. 
And where is the band who so vauntingly swore 

That the havoc of war, and the battle's confusion, 
A home and a country should leave us no more ? 

Their blood has wash'd out their foul footstep's pollution. 
N'o refuge could save the hireling and slave, 
From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave; 

And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave, 

O'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave. 
Oh ! thus be it ever when freemen shall stand 

Between their loved homes and foul war's desolation; 
Bless'd with victory and peace may the Heaven-rescued land 

Praise the power that hath made and preserved us a nation ; 
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just. 
And this be our motto— "In God is our trust!" 

And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave. 

O'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave. 



10 ODES, HYMNS AND 



HYMN. 

FOR DECORATION DAY, 1880. 

Dedicated to the Grand Army of the Republic, by J. F. 
Lomring, Chaplain-in- Chief. 

God of the living and tlie dead. 

We bow before Tli^^f ace ; 
Pleading thy goodness and our need, 

We supplicate Thy grace. 
As in the days that once were ours, 

In camp, on march, in field, 
Our strength was in Thy mighty arm — 

Thy guardian love our shield ; 
As when the storm of battle lowered, 

Our courage was in Thee, 
And for one country and one flag. 

We fought on land and sea ; 
As we have mourned with aching hearts 

The love of comrades brave, 
And gather here to scatter flowers 

Upon each cherished grave ; 
So muster back our dead that they 

With us our ranks may fill, 
And stand in glad fraternity, 

Shoulder to shoulder still; 
So give us faith in human right, 

In justice and in Thee, 
That we. may hold those once our foes 

In Christian charity; 
So make each patriot soldier's grave 

A sacred shrine to be, 
That a high altar it may prove 

Of stalwart loyalty. 



SONGS OF THE G. A. R. 11 

Then when the great inspection day 

Shall sound its bugle call, 

• May we, in Heaven's grand parade. 

Give answer one and all. 

Approved, Wm. Eabnshaw, 

Commander in-Chief. 

J F. i OVEBTNG, 

Offlcial, Cliaplain-in -Chief. 

Isaac B. Stevens, Adj. Gen. 

WHEX JOH]\ X Y COMEk^ llAR€MI]5rG HOME. 

When Johnny comes marching home again, hurrah, hurrah! 
We'll give him a hearty welcome then, hurr.ih, hurrah! 

The men will cheer, the boys will thout! 

The ladies, they will all turn out, 
And we'll all feel gay, 

When Johnny comes marching home. 
The old church bell will peal with joy, hurrah, hurrah! 
To welcome home our darling boy, hurrah, hurrah! 

The village lads an i lasses say 

With roses they will strew the way, 
And we'll all feel gay. 

When Johnny comes marching home. 
Get ready for the Jubilee, hurrah, hurrah! 
We'll give the hero three times three, hurrah, hurrali ! 

The laurel wreath is ready now 

To place upon his loyal brow, 
And we'll all feel gay. 

When Johnny comes marching home. 
Let love and friendship, on that day, hurrah, hurrah ! 
Their choicest treasures then display, hurrah, hurrah ! 

And let each one perform some part. 

To fill with joy the warrior's lieart, 
And we'll all feel gay. 

When Johnny comes marching home. 



12 ODES, HYMNS AND 



TOUCH THE EI.BOW. 



Rallying Son ^ of Martindale's Brigade, First in Por- 
ter's Division, 3d Army Corps. 

Words hy Brig. Gen. Martindale; Sung hy the Chasseur 
3Iinstrels. 

"When battle's music greets the ear, 

Our guns are sighted at the foe ; 
Then nerve the hand, and bannish fear, 

And, comrades touch tlie elbow. 

Chokus— Touch the elbow, now my boys. 
Comrades, touch the elbow, 
JSTerve the hand, banish fear, 
Comrades, touch the elbow. 

Home and country, patriots' fire. 

Kindle our souls with fervid glow, 
And southern traitors shall retire 

When northmen touch the elbow. 

Chorus.— Touch the elbow, &c. 

A cannon shot may plow the rank. 
And through us strike a deadly blow, 

Close up the space the ball made blank, 
And, comrades touch tlie elbow. 

Chorus.— Touch the elbow, &c. 

Though many brave men touch the sod. 
And crimson heart's blood freely flow. 

Shout, as their spirits soar to God, 
"On, comrades I touch the elbow." 

Chorus.— Touch the elbow, &c. 

Now show the rocks of which you're made. 

The General signals, march ! hello ! 
Double the quick step, First Brigade, 

Charge ! comrades, touch the elbow. 



SONGS OF THE G. A. K. 



Chorus— Touch the elbow, now, my boys, 
Comrades, touch the elbow, 
Double the quick step, First Brigade, 
Charge! comrades, touch the elbow. 



THE ARMY BEAX. 



{Air. — "Sweet Bye and Bye.") 

There's a spot that the soldiers all love. 
The mess-tent's the place that we mean, 

And the dish that we like to see there. 
Is the old-fashioned white Army Bean. 

Chorus — 'Tis the bean that we mean, 

And we'll eat as we ne'er ate before ; 
The Army Bean, nice and clean, 
We'll stick to our beans evermore. 

Now the bean in its primitive state, 
Is a plant we have all often met; 

And when cooked in the old aimy style. 
It has charms we can never forget. 

Chorus.— 'Tis the bean, &c. 

The German is fond of saur-kraut, 
The potato is loved by the Mic, 
But the soldiers have long since found out 
That thro' life to our beans we should stick. 

Chorus.— 'Tis the bean, &c. 
Refrain. Air.— "Tell Aunt Rhody ." 

Beans for breakfast. 
Beans for dinner. 
Beans for supper. 
Beans, Beans, Beans. 



14 ODES, HYMNS AND 



THE GRAI^D ARMY 



BY RICHAKD REALF. 

{Air— ''My Maryland^) 

From eastern sea to western shore, 

Loyally ; 
And breasted like the knights of yore,*^ 

Royally ; 
Koused by the rebel cannon roar, 
Onr columns thickened more and more. 
With prayers beliind and faith before. 

The Union's Grand Army ! 

From hall and hut, from near and far, 

Readily ; 

We sprang unto the cry for war. 

Steadily; 

Stung by the crime that Ave abhor. 

And girded on our armor for 

Deliverance of the Xation, or 

Death— the Grand Army! 

Through sun and gloom, through field and flood, 

Gloriously ; 

We pressed ouj' path in wounds and blood; 

Yictoriously ; 

Graves grew beneath us lohere we stood — 

By every vale, and mount, and wood. 

They wait the reveille of God— 

From the Grand Army. 

Heaven rest our comrades in their graves, 

Lovingly! 

Heaven beam upon our living braves. 

Approvingly ! 

And O, where'er our banner waves. 

Freedom shall beckon unto slaves. 

So long as God protects and saves 

Us— the Grand Army! 



SONGS OF THE G. A. R. 15 



WHO Wllili CAKE FOK MOTHER K^OW? 



Why am I so weak and weary ? 

See how faint my heated breath, 
All around to me seems darkness, 

Tell me, comrades, is this death ? 
Ah, how well I know your answer. 

To my fate I meekly bow. 
If you'll only tell me truly ; 

Who will care for mother now ? 

Chorus— Soon with angels I'll be marching. 
With bright laurels on my brow, 
I have for my country fallen. 
Who will care for mother now ? 

Who will comfort her in sorrow ? 

Who will dry the fallen tear. 
Gently smootli the wrinkled forehead ? 

Who will whisper words of cheer '? 
Even now I think I see her. 

Kneeling praying for me ! how 
Can I leave her in her anguish ? 

Who will care for mother now ? 

Soon with angels, &c. 

Let tills knapsack be my pillow. 

And my mantle be the sky ; 
Hasten, comrades, to the battle, 

I will like a soldier die. 
Soon with angels I'll be marching, 

With bright laurels on my brow ; 
I have for my country fallen. 

Who will care for mother now ? 

Soon with angels, &c. 



16 ODES, HYMNS AND 



KIXG^I>OM COMIXO. 



Say, clarkej^s, hab you seen cle massa, 

Wid de muffstash on his face. 
Go long de road some time dis morn in'. 

Like he gwine to leab de place ? 
He seen a smoke way up de ribber. 

Where de Linkum gunboats lay ; 
He took his hat an' lef berry sudden, 

An' I spec' he's run away. 

CHORUS. 

De massa run? ha! ha! 

De darkey stay ? ho ho ! 
It mus' be now de kingdom comin' 

An'de year ob Jubilo! 

He six foot one way, two foot tudder. 

An' he weigh tree hundred pound. 
His coat so big, he couldn't pay de tailor. 

An' it won't go half way round. 
He drill so much, dey call him Cap'an, 

An' he get so drefful tanned, 
I spec' he try an' fool dem Yankees, 

For to tink he's contraband. 

De massa, &c. 

De darkeys feel so berry lonesome, 

Libing in de log-house on de lawn, 
Dey move dar tings to massa's parlor, 

For to keep it while he's gone. 
Dar's wine an' cider in de kitchen, 

An' de darkeys dey'll hab some ; 
I spose dey'll all be cornfiscated, 

When de Linkum sojers come. 

De massa, &c. 



SONGS OF THE Or. A. H. 17 

De oberseer he make us trouble, 

An' he dribe us round a spell ; 
We lock him up in de smoke-house cellar, 

Wid de key trown in de well. 
De whip is lost, de han'cuff broken, 

But de massa'll hab his pay, 
He's ole enuff, big enuft", ought to know better, 

Dan to went, an' run away. 

De massa, &c. 

TRAMP ! TRAMP ! TRAMP ! 

THE PRISONER'S HOPE. 

In the prison-cell I sit, 

Thinking, Mother dear, of you, 
And our brigrht and happy home, so far away; 

And the tears they fill my eyes, 

Spite of all that I can do, 
Tho' I try to cheer my comrades and be gay. 

Chorus— Tramp, tramp, tramp! the boys are marching. 
Cheer up ! comrades, they wall come, 
And beneath the Starry Flag, 
We shall breathe the air again, 
Of the Free-land in our own beloved home. 

In the battle-front we stood. 

When their fiercest charge they made, 
And they swept us off, a hundred men or more ; 

But, before we reached their lines, 

They were beaten back dismayed. 
And we heard the cry of vict'ry, o'er and o'er. 

Chokus.— Tramp, tramp, tramp ! &c. 

So, within the prison-cell. 

We are waiting for the day 
That shall come to open wide the iron door; 

And the hollow eye grows bright. 

And the poor heart almost gay. 
As we think of seeing home and friends, once more. 

Chorus,— Tramp, tramp, tramp, &c. 



18 ODES, HY3INS AND 



IIAIIi COLrUMBIA. 

Hail Columbia, happy land! hail, ye heroes, heaven-born 
band ; 

Who fought and bled in Freedom's cause, 
Who fought and bled in Freedom's cause, 
And when the storm of war was gone, enjoyed the peace 

your valor won. 
Let independence be our boast, ever mindful what it cost ; 
Ever grateful for the prize, let its altar reach the skies. 

CHORUS. 

Firm, united, let us be, rallying round our liberty; 

As a band of brothers joined, peace and safety we shall find. 

Immortal pat) lots, rise once more, defend your rights, de- 
fend your shore. 

Let no rude foe, with impious hand, 
Let no rude foe, with impious hand, 
Invade the shrine where sacred lies, of toil and blood the 

well-earned prize. 
While offering peace sincere and just, in heaven we place a 

manly trust. 
That truth and justice will prevail, and every shame of 
bondage fail. 

Chorus.— Firm, united, let us be, &c. 

Sound, sound the trump of fame I let Washington's great 
name 

Ring through the world with loud applause, 
Ring through the world with loud ai»plause, 
Let every clime to Freedom dear, listen with a joyful ear. 
With equal skill and God-like-power, he govern'd in the 

fearful hour, 
Of horrid Avar! or guides, with ease, the happier time of 
honest peace. 

Chorus.— Firm, united, let us be, &c. 



SONGS OF THE G. A. R. 19 

Behold the chief who now coromands, again to serve his 
country stands — 

The rock on wliich the storm will beat, 

The rock on which the storm wi^l beat; 

But armed in virtue firm and true, his hopes are fix'd on 

Heaven and you. 
When hope was sinking in dismay, and glooms obscured 

Columbia's day. 
His steady mind, from changes free, resolved on death or 
liberty. 

CnOKUS.— Firm, united, let us be, &c. 

TME BATT1.E €itY OF FKEEBOM. 

(RALLYING SONG.) 

Yes, we'll rally round the Flag, boys, we'll rally once again. 

Shouting the battle-ciy of freedom! 
We will rally from the liill-side, we'll gather from the plain, 

Sliouting the battle-cry of freedom! 

CIIOEUS. , 

The Union forever! hurrah! boys, liurrah! 

Down with the traitors, up with the stars! 
While we rally round the flag, boys, rally once again, 
Shouting the battle-cry of freedom! 
AYe are springing to the call of our brothers gone before, 

Shouting ihe battle-cry of freedom! 
And we'll fill the vacant ranks with a million freemen more. 
Shouting the battle cry of freedom ! 

Chorus —The Union forever, &c. 
We will welcome to our numbers the ioyal true and brave. 

Shouting tlie battle-cry of freedom! 
And although he may be poor, he hall never be a slave. 
Shouting the batlle-cry of freedom! 

Chorus — The Union forever, &c. 
So,we're springing to the call from the East and from the West 

Shouting the battle-cry of freedom! 
And we'll liurl ihe rebel crew from the land we love the best, 
Shouting the battle-cry of freedom! 

Chorus.— The Union forever, &o. 



20 ODES, HY3INS AND 



MARCHIXG THROUGH GEORGIA. 

By permission of Root & Cady. 



Bring me the good old bugle, boys ! we'll sing another song- 
Sing it with that spirit that will start the world along— 
Sing it as we used to sing it fifty thousand strong, 
^V'hile we were marching through Georgia. 

CiiOPtUS— " Hurrah! hurrah! we bring the Jubilee! 

Hurrah ! hurrah ! the flag that makes you free !" 
So we sing the chorus from Atlanta to the sea, 
While we were marching through Georgia. 

How the darkies shouted when they heard the joyful sound! 
How the turkeys gobbled which our commissary found! 
How the sweet potatoes even started from the ground, 
While we were marching through Georgia. 

Hurrah, hurrah ! &c. 
Yes, and there were Union men who wept with joyful tears, 
AVhen they saw the honored flag they had not seen for years ; 
Hardly could they be restrained from breaking off in cheers, 
While we were marching throuiih Georgia. 

Hurrah, hurrah! &c. 
" Sherman's dashing Yankee boys will never reach the coast !" 
So the saucy rebels said, and 'twas a handsome boast, 
Had they not forgot, alas, to reckon with the host, 
While we were marching through Georgia. 

Hurrah, liurrah! &c. 
So we made a thoroughfare for Freedom and her train, 
Sixty miles in latitude — three hundred to the main ; 
Treason fled before us, lor resistai ce was in vain. 
While Ave were marching through Georgia. 

Hurrah, hurrah! &c. 
But the march is not yet finished, nor will we yet disband, 
While still a trace of treason remains to curse the land. 
Or any foe against the flag uplifts a threatening hand. 
For we've been marching through Georgia. 

Hurrah, hurrah! &c. 
When Right is in the White House and Wisdom in her seat. 
The reconstructed Senators and Congressmen to greet. 
Why then we may stop marching, and rest our weary feet, 
For we've been marching through Georgia. 

Hurrah, hurrah I &c. 



SONGS OF THE G. A. R. 21 

BATTliE HYMl^f ©F THE REPUBI.IC. 

BY MRS. JULIA WARD HOWE. 

{Air— ''John Browiir) 

Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord ; 
He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath 

are stored ; 
He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift 

sword ; 

His truth is marching on. 

I have seen Him in the watch-fires of a hundred circling 

camps ; 
They have builded Him an altar in the evening dews and 

damps ; 
I have read His righteous sentence in the dim and flaring 

lamps ; 

His day is marching on. 

I have read a fiery gospel, writ in burnished rows of steel : 
"As ye deal with my contemners, so with you my grace 

shall deal ; 
Let the Hero, born of woman, crush the serpent with his 

heel. 

Since God is marching on." 

He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call re- 
treat ; 

He is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment 
seat; 

O be swift, my soul, to answer Him! be jubilant, my feet! 

Our God is marching on. 

In the beauty of the lillies Christ was born across the sea. 
With a glory in his bosom that transfigures you and me; 
As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free, 

While God is marching on. 



22 ODES, HYMNS AND 



THE RED, WHITE AI^D BI.UE. 



Oh, Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean, 

The home of the Brave and the Free ; 
The Shrine of eacli Patriot's devotion, 

A world offers Homage to Thee ! 
Thy mandates make Heroes assemble. 

When Liberty's form stands in view; 
Thy banners make tyranny tremble. 

When borne by the Eed, White and Blue. 

CHORUS. 

When borne by the Bed, White and Blue, 
When borne by the Red, White and Blue, 
Thy Banners make Tyranny tremble, 
When borne by the Red, White and Blue. 

When war waged its wide desolation, 

And threatened our land to deform, 
The Ark then of Freedom's foundation, 

Columbia rode safe through the storm. 
With her garland of victory o'er her. 

When so proudly she bore her bold crew. 
With lier Flag proudly floating before her, 

The boast of the Red, White and Blue. 

Chorus.— The boast of the Red, &c. 

The wine cup, the wine cup bring hither. 

And till you it up to the brim ; 
May the wreath they have won never wither, 

Nov the star of their glory grow dim! 
May the service united ne'er sevt r, 

And hold to their colors so true! 
The Army and Naxy forever! 

Three cheers for the Red, White and Blue! 

Chorus.— Three cheers for the Red, &c. 



SONGS OF THE G. A. 



JUST BEFOKE THE BATTEE, MOTHER. 

Just before the battle, mother, 

I'm thinking most of you, 
While upon the field, we're watching, 

With the enemy in view. 
Comrades brave are round me lying. 

Filled with thoughts of home and God; 
For, well they know that, on the morrow. 

Some may sleep beneath the sod. 

CHORUS. 

Farewell! Mother, you may never 
Press me to your heart again, 

But oh ! you'll not forget me. Mother, 
If I'm numbered with the slain ! 

Oh! I long to see you. Mother, 

And the loving ones at home; 
But I'll never leave our Banner, 

Till in honor I can come. 
Tell the traitors, all around you. 

That their cruel words, we know. 
In ev'ry battle kill our soldiers. 

By the help they give tlie foe. 

Choeus.— Farewell ! Mo her, &c. 

Hark! I hear the bugle sounding; 

'Tis the signal for the fight. 
Is ow may God protect us. Mother, 

As he ever does the right ! 
Hear the " Battle-cry of Freedom," 

How it swells upon the air! 
Oh! yes, we'll rally round our Standard, 

Or well perish nobly there ! 

Chorus.— Farewell ! Mother, &c. 



24 ODES, HYMNS AND 



JUST AFTER THE BATTLE. 



Still upon the field of battle 

I am lying, mother dear, 
With my wounded comrades, waiting 

For the morning to appear. 
Many sleep to waken never 

In this world of strife and death ; 
And many more are faintly calling, 

With their feeble dying breath. 

CHORUS. 

Mother dear, your boy is wounded. 
And the night is drear with pain ; 

But still I feel that I shall see you. 
And the dear old home again. 

Oh ! the first great charge was fearful ! 

And a thousand brave men fell. 
Still, amid the dreadful carnage, 

I was safe from shot and shell ; 
So, amid the fatal shower, 

1 had nearly passed the day, 
When, here, the dreaded Minnie struck me, 

And I sunk amid the fray ! 

Chorus.— Mother dear, &c. 

Oh ! the glorious cheer of triumph. 

When the foemen turned and fled, 
Leaving us the field of battle. 

Strewn with dying and with dead ! 
Oh ! the torture and tJie anguish 

That I could not follow on ; 
But, here amid my fallen comrades, 

I must wait till morning's dawn. 
Chorus.— Mother dear, &c. 



SONGS OF THE G. A. R. 25 

THE BATTIiE CRY OF FREEDOM. 

(BATTLE-SONG.) 



We are marching to the field, boys, we are going to the tight^ 

Shouting the battle-cry of freedom. 
And we bear the glorious stars for the Union and the right, 

Shouting the battle-cry of freedom. 

CHORUS. 

The Union forever, hurrah ! boys, hurrah ! 
Down with the traitors, up with the stars. 
For we're marching to the field, boys, going to the 

fight. 
Shouting the battle-cry of freedom ! 

We will meet the rebel host,boys,with fearless hearts and true, 

Shouting the battle-cry of freedom. 
And we'll show what Uncle Sam has for loyal men to do, 

Shouting the battle-cry of freedom. 

Chorus.— The Union forever, &c. 

If we fall amid the fray, boys, we'll face them to the last. 

Shouting the battle cry of freedom. 
And our comrades brave shall hear us, as they go rushing past, 

Shouting the battle-cry of freedom, 

Chorus.— The Union forever, &c. 

Yes, for Liberty and Union we're springing to the fight. 

Shouting the battle-cry of freedom. 
And the victory shall be ours, for we're rising in our might, 

Shouting the battle-cry of freedom. 

Chorus.— The Union forever, &c. 



26 ODES, IIYIUNS AND 



SHERMAlSf'^ 11 AUCH TO THE JSE \. 



BY ADJUTANT BYERS, FIFTH IOWA CAVALRY. 

Our camp fires shone bright on the mountain 

That frowned on the river below, 
While we stood by our guns in the morning. 

And eagerly watched for the foe. 
When a rider came out from the darkness 

That hung over mountain and tree. 
And shouted, "boys, up and be ready, 
For Sherman will march to the sea! " 
Chorus— Then sang we a song for our chieftain, 
That echoed o'er river and lea. 
And the stars in our banner shown brighter 
When Sherman marched down to the sea. 

Then cheer upon cheer for bold Sherman 

Went up from each valley and glen. 
And the bugles re-echoed the music 

Tliat came from the lips of the men. 
For we knew that the stars in our banner 

More bright in their splendor would be. 
And that blessings from North-land would greet us 

When Sherman marched down to the sea. 
Chorus.— Then sang we a song, &c. 
Then forward, boys, forward to battle, 

We marclied on our wearisome way. 
And we stormed the wild hills of Kesaca, 

God bless those that fell on that day. 
Then Kennesaw dark in its glory 

Frowned down on the Flag of the Free, 
But the east and the west bore our standard, 

When Sherman marched down to the sea. 
Chorus. — Then sang we a song, &c. 
Still onward we pressed till our banners 

Swept out from Atlanta's grim walls, 
And the blood of the Patriots dampened 

The soil where the traitors' flag falls. 
But we paused not to weep for the fallen, 

AVho slept by each river and tree. 
Yet we twined them a wreath of the laurel, 

And Sherman marched down to the sea. 
Chorus.— Then sang we a song, &c. 



I 



SONGS OF THE G. A. R. 27 



Proud, proud was our army that morning 

That stood by the Cj'pr^^s and Pine; 
Wlien Sherman said, "Boys you are weary 

This day fair Savannah is mine! " 
Then sang we a song for our cliieftain, 

That eciioed o'er river and lea, 
And the stars in our l)anner shown brighter 

AVhen Sherman marched down to tlie sea. 
Chorus.— Then sang we a song, &c. 



A THOII^AW© TEAK!§. 

Lift up your eyns, desponding freemen ! 

Fling to the winds your needless fears! 
He wlio unfurled your beauteous banner, 

Says it shall wave a th usand years! 

Chorus— "A thousand years!" my own Columbia! 
'Tis the glad day so long foretold! 
'Tis the gla i morn whose early twilight 
Washington saw in times of old. 

Tell the great world these blessed tidings ! 

Yes, and be sure the bondman hears; 
Tell tlie oppress'd of ev'ry natiiai. 

Jubilee lasts a thousand years! 

Chorus.— "A thousand years!" &c. 

Envious foes beyond the ocean ! 

Little we heed your tlireat'ning sneers; 
Little will they— our children's children— 

When you are gone a thousand years. 
Chorus.— "A thousand years!" &c. 

Kebels at liome! go hide your faces- 
Weep for your crimes with bitter tears; 

Ton could not bind the blessed daylight. 
Though you should strive a thousand years. 
Chorus. — "A thousand years !" &c. 

Haste thee along, tliou glorious Xoonday! 

Oh, for the eyes of ancient seers! 
Oh, for the faith of Him who reckons 

Each of his days a thousand years! 
Chorus.— ''A thousand years !" &c. 



28 ODES, HYMNS AND 



OX! OX! OX! 

A SEQUEL TO "TRAMP, TKAMP, TRAMP." 

Oh ! the day it came at last, 
Wlien the glorious tramp was heard, 
And the boys came marching fifty thousand strong, 
And we grasped each others hands, 
Though we uttered not a word. 
As the booming of our cannon rolled along. 

Chorus — On, on, on, the boys came marching, 

Like a grand majestic sea; 
And they dashed away the guard from the heavy iron door, 

And we stood beneath the starry banner free. 

Oh! the feeblest heart grew strong, 
And the most despondent sure. 
When we heard the thrilling sounds we loved so well, 
For we knew that want and woe 
We no longer should endure, 
AVhen the hosts of freedom reached our prison cell. 

Chorus — On, on, on, the boys came marching, 

Like a grand majestic sea; 
And they dashed away the guard fiom the heavy iron door, 

And we stood beneath the starry banner free. 

Oh ! the war is over now, 
And we're safe at home again. 
And the cause we've fought and sulfered for is won ; 
But we never can forget, 
'Mid our woes and 'mid our pain. 
How the glorious Union boys came tramping on. 

Chorus — Yes, yes, yes, the boys came marching, 

Like a grand majestic sea; 
And they dashed away the guard from the heavy iron door, 

And we stood beneath the starry banner free. 

Oh I 'twas Grant who led them on 
When they came to set us free, 
And we glory in the sound oi' his dear name, 
That has dear and dearer grown 
To the ears of such as we, 
Since to let us out of prison down he came. 



SONGS OF THE G. A. K. 29 



Chorus— Grant and tlie boys came onward marching, 

Like a grand majestic sea, 
A.nd they dashed away the guard from the heavy iron door, 

And we stood beneath tlie starry banner free. 



OI.I> SHADY. 

Oh! yah yah! darlxies hxugh wid me, 
Tor de white lolks say, ole Shady's free, 

So don't you see that the jubilee 
Is coming, coming, hail mighty day ! 

Chorus— Den away, away, for I can't wait any longer, 
Hooray, hooray, I'm going home. — Repeat. 

Oh, massa got scared and so did his lady, 

Dis child breaks for Uncle Aby, 
Open de gates out here's old Shady, 

A coming, coming, hail mighty day. 
Chorus. — Den away, aw^ay, &c. 

Good bye Massa Jeff, good by Miss'r Stephei s, 
'Sense dis nigger for takin' his leavens ; 

'Spect pretty soon you'll hear Uncle Abram's 
Coming, coming, hail mighty day. 
Chorus.— Den away, away, &c. 

Good bye, hard work, wid neber any pay, 
I's gwin up Korth where the good folks say 

Dat wiiiie wheat bread and a dollar a day 
Are a coming, coming, hail mighty day. 
Chorus.— Den away, away, &c. 

Oh! I've got a wife, and I've got a baby, 
Living up yonder in lower Canaday ; 

Won't dey laugh when dey see ole Shady, 
Coming, coming, hail mighty day. 
Chorus.— Den away, away, &c. 



30 ODES, HYMNS AND 



THE FADE© COAT OF BMJE. 

My brave lad lie sleeps 

In his faded coat ot blue, 
In a lonely grave unknown ; 

'Tis the heart that beat so true; 
He sank faint and hungry. 

Among the famislied brave. 
And they laid him sad and lonely 

Within his nameless grave. 

ChoPwUS— IN'o more the bugle calls the weary one. 

Rest, noble spirit, in thy grave unknown 

I'll find you, and know you. 
Among the good and true, 

When a robe of white is given 
For the faded coat of blue. 

He cried, "Give me water. 

And just a little crumb. 
And my mother she will bless you 

Through all the years to come ; 
Oh! tell my sweet sister. 

So gentle, good and true. 
That I'll meet her up in heaven. 

In my faded coat of blue." 

Chorus.— Ko more the bugle, &c. 

He said, my dear comrades. 

You cannot tuke me home, 
But you'll mark my grave for mother, 

She'll find me if she'll come; 
I fear she'll not know me. 

Among the good and true. 
When I meet her up in heaven, 

In my faded coat of blue. 

Chorus. — No more the bugle, &c. 



SONGS OF THE G. A. E. 31 



Long, long years have vanished, 

And though he comes no more, 
Yet my heart will startling beat, 

With each foot-fall at my door ; 
I gaze o'er the hill 

Wliere he waved a last adieu. 
But no gallant lad I see. 

In his faded coat of blue. 

Chorus.— No more the bugle, &c. 

Ko sweet voice was there. 

Breathing soft a mother's prayer, 
But ther's one who takes the brave 

And the true in tender care. — 
ISTo stone marks the sod. 

O'er my lad so bra.ve and true, 
In his lonely grave he sleeps, 

In his faded coat of blue. 



GOOD BYE OI.f> ARM. 



They bore him gently from the field. 

His bleeding wounds they dressed, 
And kindly gave a soothing draught 

To lull his pain to rest, 
He knew the worst, that shattered arm 

No skill could e'er restore. 
He heard its doom, sleep came at last, 

He felt and heard no more. 
Chorus— Good bye, old arm, my strong right arm, 
'Twas once my pride to wield, 
'Twill never bear the sword again, 
My country's flag to shield. 
Oh ! native land, Oh ! hallow'd soil, 

The birih-place of the free. 
Had I a dozen arms like this 

I would give them all to thee; 
I long to wave my giit'ring sword. 

To meet the rebel foe. 
But I've no arm to do it now — 

Alas ! why is it so ? 

Chorus.— Good bye, old arm, &c. 



32 ODES, HYMNS AND 



THE P«OR OrD SI.AVE. 



'Tis just one year ago to-daj^ 

That I remember well, 
I sat down by poor ISTelly's side, 

A story she did tell ; 
'Twas about a poor unhappy slave 

That lived for many a year. 
But now he's dead and in his grave, 

No master does he fear. 

CHORUS. 

The poor old slave has gone to rest. 

We know that he is free. 
Disturb him not but let him rest 

Way down in Tennessee. 

She took my arm, we walked along 

Into an open field. 
And she paused to breathe awhile, 

Then to his grave did steal. 
She sat down by that little mound. 

And softly whispered there, 
Come to me, father, 'tis thy child. 

Then gently dropped a tear. 

Chorus.— The poor old slave, &c. 

But since that time how things have changed, 

Poor Nelly that was my bride. 
Is laid beneath the cold grave sod, 

With her father by her side. 
I planted there upon her grave. 

The weeping willow tree, 
I bathed its roots with many a tear 

That it might shelter me. 

Chorus.— The poor old slave, &c. 



SONGS OF THE G. A. 11. 33 



AMERICA, 



My country 'tis of thee, 
Sweet land of liberty, 

Of thee I sing ; 
Land where our fathers died, 
Land of the pilgrim's pride. 
From every mountain side. 

Let Freedom ring. 

My native country, thee. 
Land of the noble free— 

Thy name I love ; 
I love thy rocks and rills, 
Thy woods and templed hills; 
My heart with rapture thrills 

Like that above. 

Let music swell the breeze. 
And ring from all the trees. 

Sweet freedom's song ; 
Let mortal tongues awake. 
Let all that breathe partake. 
Let rocks their silence break, 

The sound prolong. 

Our father's God to thee. 
Author of Liberty, 

To thee I sing; 
Long may our land be bright 
With freedom's holy light ; 
Protect us by thy might. 

Great God, our King. 



34 ODES, HYMNS AND 



WRAP THE FIjAG^ AUOV^D ME, BOYS. 

Oh, wrap the flag around me boys, 

To die were far more sweet. 
With freedom's starry emblem, boys. 

To be my winding slieet. 
In life I loved to see it wave, 

And follow where it led, 
And now my eyes grow dim, my hands 

Would clasp its last bright shred. 

CHORUS. 

Then wrap the flag around me, boys, 
To die were far more sweet, 

With freedom's starry emblem, boys. 
To be my winding sheet. 

Oh, 1 had thought to greet you, boys. 

On many a well- won field. 
When to our starry banner, boys. 

The trait'rous foe should yield, 
But now alas I am denied 

My dearest earthly prayer; 
You'll follow and you'll meet the foe. 

But I shall not be there. 

Chorus.— Then wrap the flag, &c. 

But tho' my body moulder, boys. 

My spirit will be free. 
And every comrade's honor, boys. 

Will still be dear to me. 
There in the thick and bloody fight, 

!N e'er let your ardor lag. 
For I'll be there still hovering near 

Above the dear old flag. 

Chorus.— Then wrap the flag, &c. 



SONGS OF THE G. A. R. 35 

THE VACAXT CHAIR. 

We shall meet, but we shall miss him ; 

There will be one vacant chair; 
We shall linger to caress him, 

While we breathe our evening prayer. 
When, a year ago, we gathered, 

Joy was in his mild blue eye; 
But a Golden cord is severed, 

And our hopes in ruins lie. 

CHORUS, 

We shall met, but we shall miss him: 

There will be one vacant chair ; 
We shall linger to caress him. 

While we breathe our evening prayer. 

At our fireside, sad and lonely. 

Often will the bosom swell 
At remembrance of the story 

How our noble Willie fell ; 
How he strove to bear our banner 

Through the thickest of the fight, 
And u!)lield our country's honor, 

In the strength of manhood's might. 

Chorus.— We shall meet, &c. 

True, they tell us wreaths of glory 

Ever more will deck his brow ; 
But this soothes the anguish only. 

Sweeping o'er the heart strings now. 
Sleep to-day, O early fallen ! 

In thy green and narrow bed ; 
Dirges from the pine and cypress 

Mingle with the tears we shed. 

Chorus.— We shall meet, &c. 



ODES, HYMNS AND 



AKSWEK TO '^WHO WILL. CAKE FOR 
MOTHEK ]^OW?" 



Quell, oh, quell your fears my darling, 

Think not of your mother, child ; 
Though I never cease my weeping, 

Though my thoughts are fierce and wild, 
I will try to bear up nobly. 

To God's decree humbly bow, 
If you'll only cease your asking, 

Who will care for mother now ? 

CHORUS. 
Soon in Heaven I will join you, 

In that happy, happy land, 
Where the saints and angels singing, 

Praise the Lord, tliat holy land. 

When you cross the river Jordan, 

Let not anxious thoughts arise, 
I am coming, coming after. 

Angels bear me to the skies. 
Let no thoughts of coming sorrow, 

Cloud your placid, peaceful brow. 
You can confidently answer, 

God will care for mother now. 

Chorus.— Soon in Heaven, &c. 

Oh! when in death those eyelids close. 

When they bear thee to the tomb, 
When life's arduous work is done. 

When your maker calls you home, 
And when again to dust you turn. 

When in heaven rise again, 
There's where no earthly sorrows come ; 

God will guard your mother, then. 

Chorus.— Soon in Heaven, &c. 



SONGS OF THE G. A. R. 



YES I WOUIiD THE WAR WERE OVER. 



(Air. — " WJien this Cruel War is Over") 

Yes I would this war were over, 

Would this cruel work were done; 
With my country re-united, 

And the battles fought and and won. 
Let the contest now before us, 

Be decided by the sword ; 
For the war cannot be ended, 

Till the Union is restored. 

Chorus— Yes I would this war were over. 

Would this cruel work were done; 
With my country re-united, 
And the battles fought and won. 

Dead upon the field of battle, 

Fathers, sons and brothers lie, 
Friends are waiting — wives and mothers. 

Looking for them by and by. 
Far away from home forever. 

Many a noble boy lies slain. 
Look not for thy child fond mother, 

Thou Shalt see him not again. 
Chorus.— Yes I would this war, &c. 

Yes I would the war were ended, 

And the cruel struggle o'er; 
But our flag must be defended, 

And the country as before. 
Peace indeed is Heaven's blessing, 

Tliough its joys are easy lost; 
Still we'll battle for the nation, 

Whatso'er it yet may cost. 
Chorus.— Yes I would the war, &c. 



38 ODES, HYMNS AND 



TEKTi:srG ON THE OL.I> CAMP OKOUlSf ». 

We're tenting to-niglit on the old camp-ground, 

Give us a song to clieer 
Our weary hearts, a song of home 

And friends we love so dear! 

Chorus— Many are the hearts that are weary to-night, 

Wishing for the war to cease ; 
Many are the hearts looking for the right. 

To see the dawn of peace; 
Tenting to-night, tenting to-night. 

Tenting on the old camp-ground. 

We've been tenting to-night on the old camp-ground, 

Thinking of the days gone by ; 
Of the loved ones at home, that gave us the hand, 

And the tear that said : Good-bye ! 

Chorus.— Many .nre the hearts, &c. 

We are tired of war on the old camp-ground ; 

Many are dead and gone. 
Of the brave and true, who've left their homes ; 

Others have been wounded long. 

Chorus.— Many are the hearts, &c. 

We've been fighting to-day on the old camp-ground ; 

Many are lying near, 
Some are dead, and some are dying. 

Many are in tears ! 

Chorus— Many are the hearts that are weary to-night, 

Wishing for the war to cease; 
Many are the hearts looking for the right. 

To see the dawn of peace ; 
Dying to-night, dying to-night. 

Dying on the old camp-ground. 



SONGS OF THE G. A. R. 39 

I'VE COME HOME TO ©IE. 

Dear mother, I remember well 

The parting kiss you gave to me, 
When merry rang the village bell, 

My heart was full of joy and glee. 
I did not deem that one short year, 

Would crush the hopes that soared so high ; 
Oh ! mother dear, draw near to me, 

Dear mother, I've come home to die. 

CHOKTJS. 

Call sister, brother, to my side. 

And take your soldier's last good-bye ; 
Oh ! mother, dear, draw near to me, 
Dear mother, I've come home to die. 

Hark! mother, 'tis the village bell, 

I can no longer with you stay ; 
My country calls to arms! to arms! 

The foe advances in fierce array ! 
The vision's past, I feel that now. 

For my country I can only sigh ; 
Oh ! mother, dear, draw near to me. 

Dear mother, I've come home to die. 

Chorus.— Call sister, &c. 

Dear mother, sister, brother, all, 

One parting kiss — to all good-bye; 
Weep not, but clasp your hands in mine, 

And let me like a soldier die! 
I've met the foe upon the field, 

Where kindred fiercely did defy. 
I fought for riglit— God bless our flag! 

Dear mother, I've come home to die. 

Chorus.— Call sister, &c. 



40 ODES, HYMNS AND 



GRAFTED I]!^TO THE! ARMY. 

Our Jimmy has gone for to live in a tent, 
They have grafted him into the army ; 

He finallyjpuckered up courage and went, 
When they grafted him into the army. 

I told them the child was too young: alas! 
At the Captain's fore quarters, they say, he would pass, 

They train'd him up well in the infantry class- 
So they grafted him into tlie army. 

Chorus— Jimmy, farewell ! your brothers fell 
Way down in Alabarmy ; 
I thought they would spare a lone widder's heir, 
But they grafted him into the army. 

Dressed up in his unicorn, dear little chap! 

They have grafted him into the army ; 
It seems but a day since he sot in my lap ; 

Jjut they grafted him into ilie army ; 
And these are the trousers, he used to wear— 

The very same buttons— the patch and the tear- 
But Uncle Sam^gave him a bran new pair. 

When they grafted him into the army. 

Chorus.— 0, Jimmy, farewell ! &c. 

Now, in my provisions I see him revealed. 

They have grafted him into the army ; 
A picket beside the contented field, 

They have grafted him into the army. 
He looks kinder sickish— begins to cry, 

A big volunteer standing^right in his eye! 
Oh ! what if the ducky should up and die, 

Now they've grafted him into the army. 

Chorus.— 0, Jimmy, farewell ! &c. 



SONGS OF THE G. A. II. 41 



MOTHER IS THE BATTIiE OVER. 



Mother is the battle over ? 

Thousands have been'slain, they say, 
Is my father coming V Tell me, 

Have the patriots gain'd the day ? 
Is he well, or is he wounded— 

Mother, do you think he's slain ? 
If you know I pray you tell me. 

Will my father come again ? 

Mother dear, you're always sighing. 

Since you last the papers read. 
Tell me now why you are crying. 

Why that cap is on your head ? 
Oh ! I see you can not tell me— 

Father's one among the slain, 
Although he loved us very dearly. 

He will never come again. 

Yes, my boy, your noble father. 

Is one number'd with the slain— 
We shall not see him more on earth. 

But in heaven we'll meet again. 
He died for America's glory. 

Our day may not be far between. 
But I hope at the last moment. 

That we shall all meet again. 



42 ODES, HYMNS AND 

EL,I.SWORTH'S ATEIVGEKS. 

Ai7'.— "Annie Lisle." 



Down where the patriot army, 

Kear Potomac's side ; 
Guards the glorious cause of freedom. 

Gallant Ellsworth died. 
Brave was the noble chieftain ; 

At his country's call. 
Hastened to the field of battle, 

And Avas first to fall ! 

Chorus — Strike, freemen, for the Union! 
Sheath your swords no more ; 
While remains in arms a traitor, 
On Columbia's shore! 

Entering the traitor city, 

With his soldiers true ; 
Leading up the Zouave columns, 

Eixed became his view\ 
See : that rebel flag is floating 

O'er yon building tall ; 
Spoke he, while his dark eye glistened, 

Boys, that flag must fall! 

Chokus.— Strike, freemen, &c. 

Quickly, from its proud position, 

That base flag was torn ; 
Trampled 'neath the feet of freemen, 

Circling Ellsworth's form. 
See him bear it down the landing. 

Past the traitor's door ; 
Hear him groan : Oh ! God, they've shot him ! 

Ellsworth is no more. 



SONGS OF THE G. A. R. 43 

Chorus.— Strike, freemen, &c. 
First to fall, thou youthful martyr, 

Hapless was thy fate ; 
Hastened w.e, as thy avengers. 

From thy native State. 
Speed we on, from town and city, 

Not for wealth or fame ; 
But because we love the Union, 

And our Ellsworth's name. 

Chorus.— Strike, freemen, &c. 
Traitors' hands sliall never sunder 

That for which you died ; 
Hear the oath our lips now utter, 

Thou, our nation's pride. 
By our hopes of yon bright heaven ! 

By the land we love ! 
By the God who reigns above us! 

We'll avenge thy blood. 

Chorus.— Strike, freemen, &c. 



A WEIiCOME TO THE SOI.I>IERS, 



We come, brave defenders of freedom, we come. 
To welcome you, welcome you, welcome you home; 
We parted in sadness, with anpuish and fears, 
But we welcome you gladly, 'mid smiling and tears. 
Our smiles of the warmest and fondest we give. 
To heroes returned, to the soldiers who live ; 
But tears of deep sorrow we shed o'er the urn 
Of the brave ones, tlie loved ones, who never return. 
They went from us nobly, the right to maintain. 
We weep when we see thr.t tliey come not again; 
But freedom must triumph, whatever the cost. 
And the blood of the hero can never be lost. 
We yield our liearfs honor to tliem and to you. 
Our country's defenders, tlie brave and the true; 
With thanks and with blessings, to greet you we come. 
And welcome you, welcome you, welcome you home. 



44 ODES, HYMNS AND 



1¥HEN THIS CBIJJEI. WAR IS OVER. 

WORDS AND MUSIC BY HENRY TUCKER. 



Dearest love, do you remember 

When we last did meet, 
How you told me that you loved me, 

Kneeling at my feet? 
Oh! how proud you stood before me, 

In your suit of blue. 
When you vow'd to me and country. 

Ever to be true. 
Chorus— Weeping, sad and lonely, 

Hopes and tear, how vain ; 

Yet praying, when this cruel war is over. 
Praying: that we meet ag in! 
When the summer breeze is sighing, 

Mournfully, along! 
Or when autumn leaves are falling, 

Sadly breathes the song. 
Oft, in dreams, I see thee lying 

On the battle plain, 
Lonely, wounded, even dying. 

Calling, but in vain. 

Chorus.— Weeping, sad and lonely, &c. 
If, amid the din of battle, 

N'obly you should fall, 
Far away from those wiio love you, 

None to hear you call ; 
Who would wiiisper wor^ls of comfort, 

Who w^ould soothe your pain? 
Ah ! the many cruel fancies, 

Ever m my brain. 

Chorus.— Weeping, sad and lonely, &c. 
But r country called you, darling. 

Angels cheer your way ; 
While our nation's sons are fighting, 

We can only pray. 
Nobly strike for God and liberty, 

Let all nations see 
How we love our starry banner, 

Emblem of the free! 

Chorus.— Weeping, sad and lonely, <fec. 



SONGS OF THE G. A. K. 45 



GliORY HAI^IiEIiUJ AH ! No. 1. 



John Brown's body lies mouldering in the grave, 
John Brown's body lies slumbering in the grave, 
But John Brown's soul is marching with the brave. 
His soul is marching on. 

CHORUS. 

Glory, glory, hallelujah, 
Glory, glory, hallelujah, 
Glory, glory, hallelujah, 
His soul is marching on. 

He has gone to be a soldier in the army of the Lord, 
He is sworn as a private in the ranks of the Lord, 
He shall stand at Armageddon with his brave old sword, 
When heaven is marching on 

Choiujs.— Glory, &c. 

He shall file in front when the lines of battle form. 
He shall face to front when the squares of battle form , 
Time with the column and charge with the storm. 
When men are marching on. 

(/HORUS.— Glory, &c. 

Ah! foul tyrants do you hear him as he comes? 
Ah! foul traitors do you know him as he comes, 
In the thunder of the cannon and the roll of the drums. 
As we go marching onV 

Chorus.— Glory, &c. 

Men may die and moulder in the dust. 
Men may die and arise again from dust. 
Shoulder to shoulder in the ranks of the just. 
When God is marching on. 

Chorus.— Glory, &c. 



46 ODES, HYMNS AND 



GliORY HAIil^ELITJ ! No. 2. 



John Brown died on a scaffold for the slave ; 
Dark was the hour when we dug: his hallowed grave; 
Now God avenges the life he gladly gave— 
Freedom reigns to-day! 
Chorus— (xlory, glory, hallelujah, 
Glor}^ glory, hallelujah. 
Glory, glory, hallelujah, 
Freedom reigns to-day. 
John Brown sowed and his harvesters are w^e ; 
Honor to him Avho has made the bondman free! 
Loved evermore shall our noble ruler be — 
Freedom reigns to-day ! 

CnoRU.>>.— Glory, &c. 
John Brown's body lies mouldering in the grave; 
Bright o'er the sod let the starry banner wave, — 
Lo ! for the millions he periled all to save, 
Freedom reigns to day ! 

Chorus.— Glory, &c. 
John Brown lives— we are gaining on our foes- 
Right shall be the victor whatever may oppose — 
Fresh, throMgh the darkness, the wind of morning blows — 
Freedom reigns to-day! 

Chorus.— Glory, &c. 
John Brown dwells where the battle strife is o'er 
Fate cannot harm him nor sorrow stir him more; 
Earth will remember the crown of thorns he wore, 
Freedom reigns to-day! 

Chorus.— Glory. &c. 
John Brown's body lies mouldering in the grave; 
John Brown lives in the triumphs of the brave; 
John Brown's soul not a higher joy can crave— 
Freedom reigns to-day ! 

Chorus.— Glory, &c. 



SONGS OF THE G. A. R. 47 



GLORY HAIiliEIiUJAH ! ^o. 3. 



John Brown's body lies a mouldering in the grave, [savpi 
While weep the sons of bondage, whom he ventured all to 
But tho' he lost his life in struggling for the slave, 
His soul is marching on! 
Chorus— Glory, Glory Hallelujs^h! 
Glory, Glory Hallelujah! 
Glory, Glory Hallelujah! 
His soul is marching on. 
John Brown was a hero undaunted, true and brave ; [save ; 
And Kansas knew his valor, when he fought her rights to 
And now, though grass grows green above his grave, 
His soul is marching on. 

Chorus.— Glory, &c. 
He captured Harper's Ferry with his nineteen men so true, 
And he frightened Old Yii ginny, till she trembled through 

and through. 
They hung him for a traitor : themselves a traitor crew ; 
But his soul is marching on. 

Chorus.— Glory, &c. 
John Brow^n was John the Baptist of Christ we are to see, 
Christ who of the bondman shall the Liberator be ] [be free ; 
And soon, throughout the sunny South, the slaves shall all 
For his soul is marching on. 

Chorus.— Glory, &c. 
The conflict that he heralded, he looks from Heaven to view, 
On the army of the Union, with his Flag, red, white and blue, 
xlnd Heaven shall ring w^ith anthems o'er the deed they 
mean to do ; 

For his soul is marching on. 

Chorus.— Glory, &c. 
Ye soldiers of Freedom, then strike, while strike you may, 
The death-blow of oppression, in a better time and way; 
For the dawn of old Jolni Brown has brightened into day, 
And his soul is marching on. 

Chorus.— Glory, &c. 



48 ODES, HYMNS AND 



GL.ORY HAI^IiEIiUJAH ! ]¥o. 4. 



Glory, Hally, Hallelujah! 
Glory, Hally, Hallelujah! 
Glory, Hally, Hallelujah! 
Hip, hip, hip, hip, Hurrah ! 

Our Soldiers, r.ow, are marching to'ards the South, 
Our Soldiers, now, are marching to'ards the South, 
Our Soldiers, now, are marching to'ards the South, 
To wipe out Secession. 

CHORUS. 

Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! 

The iStars and Stripes forever wave! 
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! 

The Union we shall save! 

Treason, soon, will be forced to dig its grave, 
Treason, soon, will he forced to dig its grave, 
Treason, soon, will be forced to dig its grave, 
Never again to rise ! 

Chorus.— Glory ! Glory ! &c. 

The Rebels, now, are shaking with alarm, 
The Rebels, now, are shaking with alarm. 
The Rebels, now, are shaking with alarm, 
Want to be let alone ! 

Chorus.— Glory ! Glory ! &c. 

Run, Jeff, run ! if you wish to save your neck, 
Run, Jeif, run! if you wish to save your neck. 
Run, Jeff, run! if you wish to save your neck. 
For we are on your heels! 

Chorus.— Glory! Glory! &c. 



SONGS OF THE G. A. K. 49 

To Friends, hope, but to traitors we'll ftive rope, 
To Friends, hope, but to traitors we'll give rope, 
To Friends, hope, but to traitors we'll give rope, 
A warning to mankind! 

Chorus.— Glory ! Glory ! &c. 

We've whipt them on the plain, whipt 'em on the sea, 
We've whipt them on tlie plain, whipt 'em on the sea, 
We've whipt them on the plain, whipt 'em on the sea, 
Victory lias been ours ! 

Chorus.— Glory ! Glory ! &c. 

Then, three cheers for our noble Volunteers, 
Then, three cheers for our noble Volunteers, 
Then, three cheers for our noble Volunteers, 
And gallant !N'avy Blues ! 

Chorus.— Glory ! Glory ! &c. 

Again our flag will float throughout the land. 

Again our flag wall float throughout the land, 

Again our flag will float throughout the land, 

Triumphant, Proud and Free ! 

Chorus.— Glory ! Glory ! &c. 

United once more, may God keep us so. 
United once more, may God keep us so, 
United once more, may God keep us so, 
Forever, and for aye ! 

Chorus.— Glory ! Glory ! &c. 

4 



50 ODES, HYMNS AND 



GI.ORY HAI.I.EI.UJAH ! Xo. 5. 



John Brown's bodj^ lies a mouldering in the grave, 
John Brown's body lies a mouldering in the grave, 
John Brown's body lies a mouldering in the grave, 
His soul's marching on ! 

Chorus— Glory, Hally, Hallelujah! 
Glory, Hally, Hallelujah! 
Glory, Hally, Hallelujah! 
His soul's marching on. ' 
He's gone to be a soldier in the army of our Lord, 
He's gone to be a soldier in the army of our Lord, 
He's gone to be a soldier in the army of our Lord, 
His soul's marching on ! 
Chorus.— Glory, Hally, Hallelujah! &c. 
John Brown's knapsack is strapped upon his back, 
John Brown's knapsack is strapped upon his back, 
John Brown's knapsack is strapped upon his back. 
His soul's marching on! 
Chorus.— Glory, Hally, Hallelujah! tfec. 
His pet lambs will meet him on the way. 
His pet lambs will meet him on the way, 
His pet lambs will meet him on the way. 
They go marching on! 
Chorus.— Glory, Hally, Hallelujah! &c. 
They will hang Jeff Davis to a sour apple tree, 
They will hang Jeff Davis to a sour apple tree. 
They will hang Jeff Davis to a sour apple tree. 
As they go marching along! 
Chorus.— Glory, Hally, Hallelujah! &c. 
Now, three rousing cheers for the Union! 
Now, three rousing cheers for the Union! 
Now, three rousing cheers for the Union ! 
As we go marching on ! 



SONGS OF THE Q. A. R. 51 



KI8!S ME MOTHER, KISS YOUR DARL,I:N0. 



Words by Letta C. Lord. Music by G. F. Root. 

Kiss me, mother, kiss j^our darling, 

Lean my head upon your breast. 
Fold your loving arms around me, 

I am weary, let me rest. 
Scenes of life are switly fading. 

Brighter seems the otlier shore ; 
I am standing by the river, 

Angels wait to waft me o'er. 

Chokus— Kiss me, mother, kiss your darling 
Lean my head upon your breast, 
Fold your loving arms around me, 
I am weary, let me rest. 

Kiss me, mother, kiss your darling, 

Breathe a blessing on my brow; 
For, I'll soon be with the angels. 

Fainter grows my breath e'en now. 
Tell the loved ones not to murmur; 

Say I died our flag to save, 
And that I shall slumber sweetly 

In the soldier's honored grave. 

Chokus.— Kiss me, mother, &c. 

Oh! how dark this world is growing, 

Hark! 1 hear the angel band, 
How I long to join their number 

In that fair and happy land ! 
Hear you not that heavenly music. 

Floating near so soft and low ? 
I must leave you— farewell mother ! 

Kiss me once before I go. 

Chorus.— Kiss me, motlier, &c. 



52 ODES, HYMNS AND 



BUMMERS COME AND MEET VS. 



(Air— "John Brown's Song") 

Freedom is our leader now, we've had our last retreat, 
Freedom is our leader now, we've had our last retreat, 
Freedom is our leader now, we've had our last retreat. 
We'll now go marching on. 

Say, brothers, will you meet us ? 
Say, brothers, will you meet us? 
Say, brothers, will you meet us V 
As we go marching on. 

Thomas turned a Somerset, and gave the rebels rats ; 
Thomas turned a Somerset, and gave tlie rebels rats ; 
Thomas turned a Somerset, and gave the rebels rats ; 
And sent them rolling home. 

Oh, brothers, we will join him ; 

Oh, brothers, we will join him ; 

Oh, brothers, we will join him; 

And send them rolling home. 

How are you, Johnny Bull, old boy? How are you, Johnny 

Bull? 
How are you, Johnny Bull, old boy ? How are you, Johnny 

Bull? [full, 

If you want to fight, old Roast Beef, you will get your belly 
And then go rolling home. 

Oh, Johnny, don't you fight us ; 
Oh, Johnny, don't you fight us ; 
Oh, Johnny, don't you fight us ; 
Or we'll send you rolling home. 

"We'll have a farm in Dixie, boys, and put some freemen on it ; 
We'll have a farm in Dixie, boys, and put some freemen on it ; 
We'll have a farm in Dixie, boys, and put some freemen on it ; 
And then we'll simmer down. 



SONGS OF THE G. A. R. 53 

Oh, sisters, come and join us ; 

Oh, sisters, come and join us ; 

Oh, sisters, come and join us ; 

Way down in Dixie's Land. 

Oh, boys, we'll sip our cobblers then, and cloud our meer- 
schaum pipes ; 

Oh, boys, we'll sip our cobblers then, and cloud our meer- 
schaum pipes ; 

Oh, boys, we'll sip our cobblers then, and cloud our meer- 
schaum pipes ; 
Way down in Dixie's land. 

Oh, bummers come and meet us. 
Oh, bummers come and meet us. 
Oh, bummers come and meet us, 
Way down in Dixie's land. 

There lies the whisky-bottle empty on tlie shelf. 
There lies the whisky-bottle empty on the shelf. 
There lies the whisky-bottle empty on the shelf. 
But there's some more in the Demi-John. 

Oh, bummers, don't you leave us. 
Oh, bummers, don't you leave us. 
Oh, bummers, don't you leave us, 
We'll soon go marching on. 

The girls we left behind us, boys, our sweethearts at the 

North, 
The girls we left behind us, boys, our sweethearts at the 

North, 
The girls we left behind us, boys, our sweethearts at the 

North, 

Smile on us as we march. 

Oh, sweethearts, don't foiget us, 
Oh, sweethearts, don't forget us. 
Oh, sweethearts, don't forget us, 
We'll soon come marching home. 



54 ODES, HYMNS AND 



MARCHIXO AI.OXO. No. 1. 

Our Country has called her brave sons to the field; 
To false-hearted traitors she never must yield ; 
Then forward true soldiers, let this be our song ; 
To conquer or die! we are marching along! 

CHOKUS. 

Marching along, we are marching along, 
The Union to save we are marching along! 
Let traitors beware! for there's death in our song; 
To conquer or die! we are marching along! 

Tho' strewm be our path with the dying and dead ; 
Tho' to battle, through rivers of blood, we are led ; 
Our liearts will be firm, and our courage be strong; 
Toy God is our guide, as we're marching along! 

Chorus.— Marching along, &c. 

Near the graves where our comrades lie sleeping in death. 
We soon for our country may yield our last breath ; 
We'll fight till we die! let our flag but still wave! 
For a bright ray of glory will hallow each grave! 

Chorus.— Marching along, &c. 

Then, on let us march! boys— on, to the fight! 
Success must be ours, since our cause is the right ; 
Three cheers for our flag, and three cheers for our song 
to conquer or die! we are marching along! 

Chorus.— Marching along, &c. 



SONGS OF THE O. A. R. 55 

MARCHIIVG A1.0:S^€}. No. 2. 

The army is gathering from near and from far ; 
The trumpet is sounding the call for the war; 
A brave man's our leader, he's gallant and strong, 
We'll gird on our armor, and be marching along. 

CHORUS. 

Marching along, we are marching along, 

Gird on the armor and be marching along ; 

A brave man's our leader, he's gallant and strong; 

For God and our country, we're marching along! 

The foe is before us, in battle array ; 

But let us not waver, or turn from the way. 

The Lord is our strength, and the Union's our song; 

With courage and faith, we are marching along. 

Chorus.— Marching along-, &c. 

We sigh for our country, we mourn for our dead ; 
For them, now, we hope the last blood has been shed; 
Our cause is the right one: our foe's in the wrong; 
Then gladly we'll sing as we're marching along! 

Chorus. — Marching along, &c. 

Our wives and our children we leave in your care ; 
We know you will help them flieir sorrows to bear; 
'Tis hard thus to part, but we hope 'twon't be long; 
We'll keep up our hearts as we're marching along! 

Chorus.— Marching along, &c. 

The flag of our country is floating on high ; 
We'll stand by that Flag, till we conquer or die! 
A brave man's our leader, he's gallant and strong; 
We'll gird on our armor, and be marching along! 

Chorus— Marching along, &c. 



56 ODES, HYMNS AND 



IIY UlARYIiAKD. 



BY STON E-WALL JACKSON. 

My barefoot bands are on thy shore, 

Maryland ! Maryland ! 
Their touch is on thy temple-door, 

Maryland ! Maryland ! 
Fling open every dry goods store. 
Bring boots and shoes out by the score, 
Forth every whisky barrel pour, 

Maryland, my Maryland! 
Hark to a wandering son's appeal, 

Mary] and ! Maryland ! 
My glorious State, to thee I kneel, 

Maryland ! Maryland ! 
Give us potatoes, bread, cornmeal ; 
Thy peerless chivalry reveal, 
And gird our beauteous limbs with steal, 

Maryland, my Maryland! 
Thou wilt not cower in the dust, 

Maryland ! Maryland ! 
Thy burning sword shall never rust, 

Maryland ! Maryland ! 
Take, take these notes of mine on trust. 
Confederate bonds may not be just 
The things you want— but then you must, 

Maryland, my Maryland ! 
Come! with thy j^a?i-oplied array, 

Maryland! Maryland! 
Come ! with thy stacks of grain and hay, 

Maryland! Maryland! 
We've famished long upon the'way. 
Our steeds have starved this many a day. 
Come ! give us what we want, I say, 

Maryland, my Maryland ! 



SONGS OF THE G. A. R. 



Come! for thy red-eye's good and strong, 

Maryland ! Maryland ! 
Thy hesitation does thee Avrong, 

Maryland! Maryland! 
Come to thy own heroic throng! 
We've brought some little ills along, 
That wouldn't do to sing in song, 

Maryland, my Maryland! 

I see the blush upon thy cheek, 

Maryland ! Maryland ! 
But thou was always rather weak, 

Maryland ! Maryland ! 
But lo! there surges forth a shriek, 
Potomac calls to Chesapeake; 
I guess from out thine arms I'll streak, 

Maryland, my Maryland! 

Thou wilt not yield the Southern toll, 

Maryland! Maryland! 
Thou wilt not crouch to Jeff's control, 

Maryland ! Maryland ! 
Better the fire upon thee roll. 
Better the shot, the blade, the bowl— 
I think so, too, upon my soul! 

Maryland, my Maryland ! 

I hear the distant thunder hum, 

Maryland ! Maryland ! 
Old Lincoln's bugle, fife and drum- 
Mary 1 and ! Maryland ! 
I'm not exactly deaf and;"dumb— 
I know the sounds of sliell and bomb— 
Farewell ! again 111 never come. 
Since you don't welcome Southern scum- 
Maryland, my Maryland! 



58 ODES, HYMNS AND 



Orit" MAK\T.AliD. 



The rebel tluevos were sure of thee, 

Marx land, our ^Marylaiul ! 
And boasted they Avoiild welcome be, 

^Maryland, our ]SIaryland! 
But now they turn and now they flee. 
With Stone-wall Jackson and with Lee, 
And loyal souls once more are free! 

Maryland, our JMaryland! 

With plundered guns and stolen swords, 

Maryland, our Maryland! 
On thee they came in ruffian hordes, 

Maryland, our Maryland! 
With raving oaths and raoring words, 
And pirate's knives and hangman's cords. 
They swa: nied across the border fords, 

Maryland, our Maryland ! 

Through passways of the mountain crags, 

Maryland, our Maryland! 
They bore their vile secession flags, 

:Maryland, our Maryland! 
Like beggar troops in fllthy rags, 
Barefooted men, and spavined nags, 
Their voices hoarse with Southern brags, 

Maryland, our Maryland! 

Like dogs all raving for a crumb, 

Maryland, our Maryland ! 
They madly rushed for bread and rum, 

Maryland, our Maryland! 
But backward run, with voices dumb. 
And drooping hands and faces glum. 
They ran from Union's rolling drum, 

Maryland, our Maryland! 



SONGS OF THE G. A. R. 59 



COMRADES I AM DYIXG. 



Comrades, comrades, I am dying ! 

See the crimson fountain flow! 
Sick and wounded, I am dying, 

On tlie Held among the foe. 
But the angels hover round me, 

They will guard me when I sleep, 
Comrades, onward to the battle, 

Do not for a soldier weep. 

Chorus— Comrades, comrades, I am dying! 
See the crimson fountain flow ! 
Sick and wounded, I am dying, 
On the field among the foe. 

Comrades, comrades, 1 am dying! 

For I see my mother now. 
See her coming down from heaven' 

With a wreath upon her brow. 
God has sent her to the soldier, 

She will teach him how to die ; 
And when He hath called my spirit, 

She will bear it to the sky. 

Chorus.— Comrades, comrades, &c. 

Comrades, comrades, I am dying ! 

Soon I'll be among the blest, 
Eare— Oh ! fare you well, forever, 

I am going there to rest. 
For my mother's arms entwine me, 

And I can no longer stay ; 
Onward comrades, to the battle, 

Angels they will lead the way. 

Chorus.— Comrades, comrades, &c. 



60 ODES, HYMNS AND 



OtJB COJLOR GUAR©. 



BATTLE SONG AND CHORUS. 



Words by Thomas H. Diehl. Mus c by Henry Tucker. 



Now onward ! onward ! let it wave, 

Amid the cannon's roar. 
Borne by the noble and the brave, 

Thro' streams of crimson gore ; 
Amid the battle's fiercest strife. 

There ever let it be, 
And guard it with devoted life. 

That standard of the free ! 

Chorus— Hurrah, boys ! Hurrah, boys ! 
Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! 
Onward ! onward ever be 
**Our color guard" supplied. 

"Stand by those colors !" many an eye 
^ Is looking up to-day, 
To see that glorious emblem fly 
"Where danger checks the way. 
"Stand by those colors!" many a soul 

Will gain neAV strength to die. 
If in the red tide's fiercest roll 
Those colors proudly fly. 

Chorus.— Hurrah, boys! &c. 

On ! color guard! Oh, noble, brave, 

How one by one they fall, 
But not their fate ! nor yet the grave 

Our brave lads can appall. 
Now from the ranks lean eagerly, 

Like groom to meet his bride 
A score of volunteers — and see ! 

"Our color guard" supplied. 

Chorus.— Hurrah, boys ! &c. 



SONGS OF THE G. A. R. 61 



THE OL.D UKION TVAGOX. 



BY ROB ERT M . HART. 

(Air.—*' Wait for the Wagon'') 
The eagle of Columbia, in majesty and pride. 
Still soars aloft in glory, though traitors have defied 
The flag we dearly cherish— the emblem of our will- 
Baptised in blood of heroes 'way down on Bunker Hill. 
Chorus.— Sam built the wagon. 

The Old Union AVagon, 

The star-crestpd wagon, 

To give the boys a ride. 
The war screech of that eagle is heard from shore to shore, 
For clouds of dark rebellion our sky lias shrouded o'er; 
But freedom and its sunlight will break the gloomy pall, 
And scorch the brow of treason witli powder, shell and ball. 

Bring on the wagon, 

The Old Union Wagon, 

The tri- colored wagon. 

We're waiting for a ride. 
King Cotton may be master o'er those who bend the knee. 
But cannot rule a people who ever will be free, 
As are the winds of heaven— whose every thought and deed, 
Shall emenate from Justice, and not from Cotton seed. 

Stick to the wagon. 

The Old Union Wagon, 

The triumphal wagon. 

And we'll all safely ride. 
Old Abe is in the wagon, and Scott is by his side, 
And Seward drives the horses to take a Union ride ; 
While Butler is not idle, and Cameron is true. 
And we're all in the wagon with Yankee doodle-doo. 

Shove on the wagon. 

The Old Union Wagon, 

God bless the wagon, 

While patriots shall ride. 
There's none can smash the wagon— 'tis patented and strong, 
And built of pure devotion, by those who hate the wrong- 
Its wheels are made of freedom, which patriots adore : 
The spokes, when rightly counted, just number thirty-four. 

Keep in the wagon. 

The Old Union Wagon, 

The oft-tested wagon. 

While millions take a ride. 



6^ ODES, HYMNS AND 



A BOIiD BRAVE CRE^V-SOKG OF THE SEA. 



A bold, brave crew and an ocean blue. 

And a ship tliat loves the blast; 
With a good wind piping merrily 
In the tall and gallant mast. 
Chokus— Ha! Ha! my boys, 
These are tlie joys, 

Of the noble and brave ; 
Who love a life 
In the tempest's strife. 
And a home on the mountain wave. 
When driving rain of tlie hurricane 

Puts the light of the light-liouse out. 
And tlie growing thunder sounds its gong 
On the whirlwind's battle rout. 
Ha! Ha! do you think 
That the valiant shrink ? 

No ! No ! we are bold and brave 
And we love to fisht. 
In the wild midnight. 
With the storm on the mountain wave! 
Breezes that die Avhere the green woods sigh, 

To the landsman sweet may be. 
But give to the brave the broad-backed w^ave. 
And the tempest's midnight glee! 
Ha! Ha! the blast. 
And the rocking mast. 

And the sea wind brisk and cold, 
And the thunder's jar. 
On the seas afar. 
Are the things that suit the bold. 
The timbers creak, the sea birds shriek: 

There's lightning in yon blast! 
Hard to the leeward! mariners. 
For the storm is gathering fast! 
Ha! Ha! to-night, 
Boys, w^e must fight ; 

But the winds which o'er us yell. 
Shall never scare 
The mariner, 
In his winged citadel ! 



*. 



SONGS OF THE G. A. R. 63 



0:^E AT HOME ^VHO PKATS FOK ME, 

OK, 
WHO HAS XOT A PRAYiWO MOTHER ? 



Words by Henry M. Hunt, Music by Henry Tucker. 

At midnight, on'my lonely'^beat, 

When shadow wraps the wood and lea, 
A vision seems my view to greet, 

Of one at home wlio prays for me ; 
No roses bloom upon her cheek, 

Her form is not a lover's dream, 
But o'er that brow so pure and meek, 
A thousand holier beauties gleam. 
Chorus— Who has not a praying mother, 
Wheresoe'er his lot may be! 
Ev'ry wand'rer feels in darkest hour, 
There's one at home who prays for me. 

How softly shines her silver hair, 

A patient smile is on her face, 
And that mild lustrous light of prayer, 

Around her sheds a moonlike grace ; 
She prays for me so far away — 

The soldier in his holy fight, 
And begs that heaven in mercy may 

Protect her boy and bless the right! 

Chorus.— Who has not, &c. 
Still though the leagues lie far between, 

This silent incense of her heart 
Steals o'er my soul with breath serene, 

And we no longer are apart ; 
So guarding thus my lonely beat 

By shadowy wood and haunted lea, 
That vision seems my view to greet 

Of her at home who prays for me. 

Chorus.— Who has not, &c. 



64 ODES, HYMNS AND 



WHO WIt.Ii CARE FOR MICKY XOW? 

A PARODY ON "WHO WILL CARE FOR MOTHER NOW?" 

Among the many heroic fellows who drew a prize in the U. S. lottery, 
was a distinguished Frenchman— from Limerick— the only support of 
himself. On being told by the Surgeon he would " Pass," he placed 
his hand on his empty stomach, and while a big tear of bravery rolled 
down his cheek, exclaimed in accents that would have touclied the heart 
of a wheel-barrow : "Who will care for Micky now?" 



Arrah! Mollj^ darlin' I'm drafted, 

8ure I must for a soger go; 
An' lave you all alone behind me, 

For to fight the rebel foe— 
But, be the powers! me pluck is failiii' 

J^ig drops of swate roll down my brow ; 
Och, millia mnrther! I am drafted, 

Who will care for Micky now? 

Chorus— Soon 'gainst ribels I'll be marching, 
Wid the swate upoi] me brow — 
Och, blud an' nouns! I'm kilt entirely: 
A\^ho will care for Micky now V 

Arrah ! who will comfort me in sorrow, 

Wi h a drop of gin or beer ; 
Wash me dirty shirts and stockin's? 

Faix ! there's no one 1 f ear— 
Me feet are blistered wid the marching, 

Me knapsack makes me shoulders bow— 
Poik and crackers are me rations: 

Who will care for Micky now ? 

CHORrs.— Soon 'gainst ribels, &c. 

Indade I miss me feather pillow 

An' bed on which I used to lie— 
The pine planks make me feel uneasy. 

If I had wings, och! wudn't I fly! 
But one ov me legs is stiff, dear, 

Since I was kicked be Muri)hy's cow; 
I'm afraid I niver can skedaddle : 

W^ho will care for Micky now ? 

Chorus.— Soon 'gainst ribels, &c. 



SONGS OF THE O. A. R. 65 



lilFE ON THE OCEA]^ WAVE 



A life on the ocean wave, 

A home on the rolling deep, 
Where the scattered waters rave. 

And the winds their revels keep. 
Like an eagle caged I pine. 

On this dull unchanging shore; 
Oh, give me tlie splashing brine. 

The spray and tiie tempest's roar. 

Chorus.— A life, &c. 

Once more on the deck I stand. 

Of mj own swift gliding, craft, 
Set sail, farewell to the land!— 

The gale flows fair abaft. 
We shoot tlirough tlie sparkling foam 

Like an ocean bir 1 set free — 
Like the ocean bird our home. 

We'll find far out in the sea. 

Chorus.— A life, &c. 

The land is no longer in view. 

The clou'Js have begun to frown, 
But with a stout vessel and crew, 

We'll any, let the storm come down. 
And the song of our hearts sliall be, 

AYhile the winds and the waters rave, 
A life on the lieaving sea, 

A home on the bounding wave! 

Chorus.- A life, &c. 



66 ODES, HYMNS AND 



WE ABE COMIXG FATHER ABRAHAM. 



^Ye are coming, Father Abraham, 

Three hundred thousand more; 
From Mississippi's winding stream. 

And from New England's sliore. 
We leave our ploughs and workshops, 

Our wives and children dear ; 
With hearts too full of utterance, 

AVith but a silent tear. 
We dare not look behind us, 

But steadfastly before— 
We are coming Father Abraham, 

Three hundred thousand morel 

CllOllVii. 

We are coming, we are coming, 

Our Union to restore; 
We are coming, Father Abraham, 

With tl)iee hundred thousand more. 

If you look ac OSS the hill-tops, 

That meet the Nortliern sky; 
Long moving lines of rising dust. 

Your vision may descry. 
And now the wind, an instant, 

Tears the cloudy veil aside ; 
And floats aloft our spangled flag, 

In glory and in pride. 
And bayonets in the sunlight gleam, 

And bands brave music pour — 
We are coming. Father Abraham, 

Three hundred thusand more. 



Chorus.— We are coming, &c. ^ 

J 

4 



SONGS OF THE G. A. R. 



If you look all up our valleys, 

Where the growing harvests shine; 
You may see our sturdy farmer boys, 

East forming into line. 
And children from their mother's knees, 

Are pulling at the weeds ; 
And learning how^ to reap and sow, 

Against their country's needs. 
And a farewell group stands weeping 

At every cottage door— 
We are coming Father Abraham, 

Three hundred thousand more! 

Ciioiius.— We are coming, &c. 

You have called us, and we're coming. 

By Richmond's bloody tide ; 
To lay us down for freedom's sake. 

Our brothers' bones beside; 
Or from foul treason's savage group 

To wrench the murderous blade ; 
And in the face of foreign foes. 

Its fragments to parade. 
Six hundred thoustnd loyal men, 

And true, have gone before — 
We are coming. Father Abraham, 

Three hundred thousand more! 

CiiOPvUS.— We are coming, &c. 



68 ODES, HYMNS AND 



H4IL. ! OUR COUATKY'S XATAI. MOKX. 



Hail our country's natal morn ! 
Hail our spreading kindred born! 
Hail thou banner not yet torn! 

Still waving o'er the Free! 
While this day, in festal throng. 
Millions swell the patriot song, 
Shall not we thy notes prolong? 

Hallowed Jubilee I 

Chorus— Hail! our country's natal morn, 
Hail! ye millions yet unborn. 
Hail! thou banner- not yet torn, 

Still waving o'er the free. 
While this day, in festal throng, 
Millions swell the patriot song, 
Shall not we thy notes prolong, 
Hallowed jubiiee? 

Who would sever Freedom's shrine? 

AVho would draw th' invidious line ? 

Though by birth one spot be mine, 
Yet dear is all tiie rest — 

Dear to me the South's fair land. 

Dear the central mountain band. 

Dear New England's rocky strand, 
Dear the prairied West. 

Chorus.— Hail ! our country's, &c. 

By our altars pure and free. 

By our law's deep-rooted tree, 

By the past dread memory. 
And by our martyr's name: 

By our common parent tongue. 

By our hopes, bright, buoyant, young, 

By the tie of country strong, 
United we'll remain. 



SONGS OF THE G. A. R. 69 

Chorus.— Hail ! our country's, &c. 

Brothers ! have ye bled in vain ? 
Ages! must ye droop again? 
Maker ! shall we rashly stain 

These blessings sent by thee ? 
Isol receive our solemn vow, 
While before Thy throne we bow, 
Ever to maintain as now, 

" Union— Liberty." 

Chorus.— Hail ! our country's, &c. 



IJNCIiE KED. 



I once knew a darkey, and his name was Uncle Ned, 

Oh, he died long ago — long ago ; 
He had no hair on the top of his head, 

The place where the wool ought to grow. 

chorus. 
Lay down the shovel and the hoe, 
Hang up the fiddle and the bow ; 
For no more work for poor old Ned, 
He's gone where the good darkies go. 

His fingers were long, like the cane in tlie brake. 

And he had no eyes for to see ; 
He had no teeth for to eat de hoe cake. 

So he had to let the lioe ( ake be. 

One cold frosty morning old Ned died. 
Oh, the tears down Massa's face run like rain. 

For he knew when Ned was laid in the ground 
He'd nebber see his like again. 



70 ODES, HYMNS AND 



COIiUMBIA, THE OEM OF, &c. 



KEY OF G. 

0, Columbia ! the gem of the ocean. 

The home of the brave and the free, 
The shrine of each patriot's devotion, 

A world offers homage to thee! 
Thy mandates make heroes assemble, 

When Liberty's form stands in view,— 
Thy banners make tyranny tremble, 

When borne by the Reel, White, and Blue. 

Chorus— When borne by the Red, AVhite and JJlue, 
AVhen borne by the Red, White and iilue, 
Thy banners make .yranny tremble, 
When borne by the Red, White and Blue. 

When war winged its wide desolation. 

And threatened the land to deform. 
The ark, then of Freedom's foundation, 

Columbia, rode safe through the storm ; 
With her garlands of vict'ry around her. 

When so proudly she bore her brave crew. 
With her flag proudly floating before her. 

The boast of the Red, \Vhite and Blue. 

Chorus.— The boast of the Red, &c. 

The wine-cup, the wine-cup bring hither. 

And fill you it true to the brim ! 
May the wreaths they have won never wither, 

Nor the stars of their glory grow dim! 
May the service united ne'er sever. 

But they to their colors prove true! 
The Army and Navy forever ! 

Three cheers for the Red, White and Blue. 



SONGS OF THE G. A. R. 71 



OliD DOG TRAY. 



The morning meal is past- 

'Twill bring me a bill that I know I cannot pay, 
For meats, both fat and lean, that I was jolly green 

To trust beside that old dog Tray. 

CHORUS. 

Old dog Tray! always hungry- 
Meat cannot drive him away ; [kind, 

With his tail " druv " in behiitd, neither gentle nor yet 
Is that hungry dog, that old dog Tray. 

I hurried home one night, with a rousing appetite, 
For nothing had I tasted the whole ot that long day. 

But Oh! how I was done— not a thing was left but bone- 
All eaten by that o'd dog Tray. 

Chorus.- Old dog Tray, &c. 

The stakes I thought my own, had vanished one by one, 
Those cutlets, those cliops too, had all passed away; 

Those tenderloins were gone— they each and all had flown— 
Stolen by that old dog Tray. 

Chorus.— Old dog Tray, &c. 

With naught to break my fast, my eyes on Tray I cast. 
Who looked as though he felt what my breaking iieaa*t 
would say ; 

But oh! 'twas all deceit— twas he who stole my meat, 
That hungry dog, that old dog Tray. 

Chorus.— Old dog Tray, &c. 



72 ODES, HYMNS AND 



DO THEY MIS^ MJE AT HOME. 



Do tliey miss me at home, do they miss me! 

'Twoukl be an assurance most dejir. 
To know that this moment some loved one, 

AVere sayins: I wish lie was here, 
To feel that the group at the fireside 

Were thinking of me as I roam. 
Oh, yes, 'twould be joy beyond m- asure, 

To know that they miss'd me at home, 

To know that they miss'd me at home. 

When twilight approaches, the season 

That ever is sacred to song. 
Does some one repeat my name over. 

And sigh that 1 tarry so long? 
And is there a chord in the music 

That's missed when my voice is away, 
And a chord in each heart that awaketli 

Regret at my wearisome stay, 

Regret at my wearisome stay. 

Do they sit me a chair near the table, 
When evening's home pleasures are nigh. 

When the candles are lit in the parlor. 
And the stars in the calm azure sky? 

And when the " good-nights " are repeated, 
And all lay tbem down to their sleep. 

Do they think of the absent, and waft me 
A whispered "good-night " while they weep, 
A whispered "good-night" while they weep? 

Do they miss me at home— do they miss me 
At morning, at noon, or at night? 

And lingers one gloomy shade round them 
That only my presence can light? 

Are joys less invitingly welcome. 
And pleasures less hale than before. 

Because one is missed from the circle. 
Because I am with them no more, 
Because I am with them no more! 



SONGS OF THE G. A. R. 73 



WE MISS THEE AT HOUIE. 



We miss thee at home, yes, we miss thee, 

Since the hour we bade the adieu; 
And prayers liave encircled thy pathway, 

From anxious hearts, loving and true. 
That the Saviour would guide and protect thee, 

As far from tlie loved ones you roam, 
And whisper whene'er thou wert saddened, 

"They miss thee, all miss thee at home," 

When morning awakes us from slumber. 

We catch from the lips the first kiss. 
And fold in a wandering zephyr. 

To be wafted to him whom we miss ; 
And when we have joined the "home circle," 

And replaced the still vacant chair, 
In each eye rose the gathering tear-drop, 

For him we were w^ont to see there. 

The shadows of evening are falling— 

Oh, where is the wanderer now ? 
The breeze that floats lightly around me. 

Perchance may soon visit his b ow ; 
Oh, bear on thy bosom a message. 

We are watching, oh, why wilt thou roam ? 
The heart has grown sad and dejected. 

For we miss thee, all miss thee at hom^. 



74 ODES, HYMNS AND 



UX FURL THE OI.ORIOUS BAKl^ER. 

Unfurl the glorious banner, let it sway upon the breeze, 
The emblem of our country's pride, on land, and on the 

seas, 
The emblem of our liberty, borne proudly in the wars. 
The hope of every freeman, the gleaming stripes and stars. 

CHORUS. 

Then unfurl the glorious banner out upon the welcoming 

air, 
Read the record of the olden time upon its radiance there ; 
In the battle it shall lead us, and our banner ever be, 
A beacon light to glory, and a guide to victory. 

The glorious band of patriots who gave tlie flag its birth, 
Have writ with steel in history, the record of its worth ; 
From east to west, from sea to sea, from pole to tropic sun, 
Will eyes grow bright, and hearts throb high at the name 
of Washington. 

Chorus. — Then unfurl the glorious banner, &c. 

Ah ! proudly i-hould we bear it, and guard this flag of ours, 
Borne bravely in its infancy amidst the darker hours ; 
Only the brave may bear it, a guardian it shall be, 
Tor those who well have won the right to boast of liberty. 
Chorus.— Then unfurl the glorious banner, &c. 

The meteor flag of seventy-six, long may it wave in pride, 

To tell the world how nobly the patriot father's died; 

When from the shadows of their night outburst the bril- 
liant sun. 

It bathed in light the stripes and stars, and lo! the field 
was won. 

Chorus.— Then unfurl the glorious banner &c. 



\ 



SONGS OF THE G. A. R. 75 



TEL-Ii MOTHER I DIE HAPPY. 



I am dying, comrades, dying", 

As you bear me, lightly tread ; 
Soon, all, soon, I shall be lying 

AVith the silent, sleeping dead! 
I am dying, comrades, dying. 

Still the battle rages near ; 
Tell me, are our foes a flying? 

I die happy, Mother dear ! 

CiiOKUS— Tell my Mother I die happy. 

That for me she must not weep; 
Tell her how I long to kiss her, 
Ere I sunk in death to sleep ! 

I am going, comrades, going; 

See how damp my forehead's now ; 
Oh, I see the Angels coming. 

With bright garlands for my brow. 
Bear thi ^ message to my Mother : 

How in death that God was near, 
He 1 o bless and to support me ; 

1 die happy, Mother dear! 

Chorus.— Tell my Mother, &c. 

Lay me, comrades, 'neath the willow, 

That grows on the distant shore; 
Wrap the Starry Flag around me, 

I would press its folds once more ; 
Let the cold earth be my pillow. 

And the Stars and Stripes my shroud; 
Soon, oh ! soon, I shall be marcliing 

Amid the Heavenly Crowd ! 

Chorus.— Tell my Mother, &c. 



76 ODES, HYMNS AND 



THE lilFE OF A SOLDIER. 

Ai7\—" iramp, Tramp'' 

My name is Paddy Doyle, 

I'm a native of the soil 
AVhere the party little shamrock, lively grows ; 

For a soldier I did list. 

Got the bounty in my list, 
A bounty and the nobby suit of clothes. 

CiiOKUS— Tramp, tramp, tramp, the boys are marching, 

Cheer up, comrades, let's be gay ; [ghiss, 

We will toast each blooming lass, in a full and flowing 
With the merry fife and drum we'll march away. 

Every pretty girl I mark. 

And sometimes I liave a lark, 
I praise their figure and their beauty; 

While the children run and play. 

We pass the time away. 
Oh ! that's what I call doing soger's duty. 

Chorus. — Tramp, tramp, &c. 

Whene'er we leave a town, 
The damsels pout and frowni, 

To think that they'll not see us aiiy more; 
But I always bear in mind, 
The girls I leave behind, 

The darling little creatures I adore. 

Chokus— Tramp, tramp, &c. 
Hark ! I hear my comrades come, 
There's the merry fife and drum, 

The sound fills my heart so full of joy ; 
-Then raise a hearty cheer, 
For home and friends so dear, 

And success attend the jovial soger boy 

Chorus —Tramp, tramp, &c. 



SONGS OF THE G. A. R. 77 



THE OCTOROOK ; ^m, GI.OKY, GLORY. 

Kear the old plantation, at the close o'' day, 

Stood a weary mother and her child ; 
List'ning to the sounds along the valley way, 

While tlieir hearts with hope were throbbing wild. 

ciroiius. 
Glory, glory how the freed men sang, 
Glory, glory how the old woods rang ; 
'Twas the loyal army sweeping to the sea, 
Flinging out the banner of t .e free. 

Ely my precious darling to the Union camp, 
I will keep the hounds and hunters here ; 

Go right through the forest, though it be dark and damp, 
God will keep you, dear one, never fear. 

Chorus.— Glory, &c. 

When the bhizing camp fire gleamed amid the wood. 
And the boys were halting for the night; 

In her wond'rous beauty, little Rosa stood, 
Trembling and alone before their sight. 

Chorus.— Glory, &c. 

Then the brave old gunner took her in his arms. 
Thinking of his own dear ones at home ; 

And through ail tlie marclies and the rude alarms. 
Safely brought the little Octoroon. 

Chorus.- Glory, &c. 



ODES, HYMNS AND 



WII.LIE HAS GOXE TO THK WAR. 



The blue bird is singing its lay, 

To call the sweet flowers of the dale; 
The wild bee is roaming, at play; 

And soft is the sigh of the gale ; 
I stray by the brook-side, alone. 

Where oft we have wandered before, 
And weep for my loved one— my own: 

My Willie lias gone to the war. 

Chorus— Willie has gone to tlie war, Willie- 
Willie, my loved one— my own: 
AVillie has gone to the war, Willie- 
Willie, my loved one, lias gone. 

It w^as there, where the lily-bells grow. 

That I last saw his noble young face ; 
But now he has gone to the foe— 

Oh! dearlv 1 love the old place! 
The whispering waters repeat 

The name that I love, o'er and o'er, 
And daisies, that nod at my feet. 

Say: Willie has gone to the war! 

Chorus.— Willie has gone, &c. 

The leaves of the forest will fade, 

The roses will wither and die. 
And Spring to our home in the glade, 

On fairjMike pinions, will fly ; 
But still I will hopefully wait, 

Till the day when those battles are o'er ; 
And pine like a bird for its mate. 

Till Willie comes home from the war. 

Chorus.— Willie has gone, &c. 



SONGS OF THE O. A. R. 



GOD IVIIili CARE FOR MOTHER NOIV. 



i 



(Air.— ''Who Will Care for Mother Now''?) 

Weep no more, O nobly fallen ! 

Banish sorrow from thy heart ; 
Hark ! the angels, round thee hov'ring. 

Words of peace and joy impart. 
See they bid you join tiieir number, 

Wreath brij^ht laurels round thy brow, 
Murm'ring softly as they crown thee: 

God will care for mother now. 

Chorus — Weep no more, nobly fallen ! 

Let not sorrow cloud thy brow; 
Holy angels round thee whisper : 
God will care for mother now. 

When that mother, sad and lonely, 

Mourns her loved and cherished one, 
When in agony she murmurs: 

Give me hack my darling son ! 
When she's crushed and bowed with trouble, 

And her heart is filled with fears ; 
Then, the angels sweetly whisper: 

God will wipe away her tears. 

Chorus.— Weep no more, &c. 

Oh! how sweet those words of comfort 

To the dying soldier's ear! 
Who so anxiously is asking: 

"Who will clierish mother here, 
When I reach that land of glory. 

And before my Maker bow ?" 
Sweetly comes the whispered answer: 

God will care for motlier now. 

Chorus. — Weep no more, &c. 



80 ODES, IIYMN^ AND 



BROTH£:ii'l^ FAIXTIX« AT THE DOOR. 



Yonder comes a weary soldier, 

With faltering steps across the moor; 
Mem'ries of the past steal o'er me : 

He totters to tlie cottage door. 
Look! my heart can not deceive me: 

'Tis one we deemed on earth no more, 
Call Mother, haste, do not tarry. 

For, brother's fainting at tlie door. 

Ckoru — Kindly greet the weary soldier, 
Words of comfort may restore. 
You may have an absent brother, 
Fainting at a stranger's door. 

Tell us, brother, of the battle, 

Why you were numbered with the slain ; 
We, who thought you lost forever, 

Xow clasp yon to our arms again ; 
Oh! may others share the blessing. 

Which Heaven kindly keeps in store; 
May they meet their absent loved ones, 

Ay, e'en though fainting at the door! 

Chorus.— Kindly greet, &c. 

I was wounded and a pris'ner, 

Our ranks were broken, forced to fly. 
Thrown within a gloomy dungeon. 

Away from friends alone to die. 
Still the hope was strong within me, 

A cherished hope that would restore : 
I have lived by Heaven's blessing. 

To meet my loved ones at the door. 

Chorus.— Kindly greet, &c. 



i 



SONGS OF THE G. A. K. 81 



THE SOLDIER'S FlI^EKAI.. 

(.4 ir.—''Ellsu)OTthr) 

Hark! to the shrill trumpet calling, 

It pierces the soft summer air ; 
Tears from each comrade are falling, 

For the widow and orphan are there ; 
Bayonets eartliward are turning, 

The drum muffled voice breathes around, 
Yet he heeds not the voice of the mourner, 

Xor wakes to the soft bugle's sound. 

Sleep, soldier, tho' many may mourn thee, 

And w^eep o'er thy cold form to-day ; 
Soon, soon will thy kindred forget thee. 

Thy name from the earth pass away ; 
The man thou hast loved as a brother. 

Some friend in thy place shall have gain'd ; 
Tliy dog shall keep watch for another. 

Thy steed by another be reined. 

Tho' many now mourn for thee sadly, 

Soon joyous as ever they'll be ; 
Thy bright orphan boy will laugh gladly, 

As he sits on some brave comrade's knee. 
But there's one will be true to her duty, 

Who will mourn for the lost and the brave, 
As when first in the bloom of her beauty. 

She wept o'er her loved soldier's grave. 



82 ODES, HYMNS AND 



L.01fG lill E THE OREAT AXD FREE. 

BY ROBERT M. HART. 



{Air:— '' Elleii Bane.") 

Shrine of devotion ! 

Far o'er the ocean 
Sounds the loud welcome for all to our home ; 

Millions cross the briny tide, 

For those blessings oft denied— 
Long live the great and free for ages to come. 

Chorus— Shout for freedom loud and long! 
Let each patriot join the song — 
May Columbia ever boast 
Of George Washington I 

Fruits, fields and flowers, 

Green lawns and bowers. 
Yielding their fragrance and bountiful store, 

Ever bless this happy land, 

Leading on a joyous band — 
Long live the great and free to praise and ailore. 
Chorus.— Shout for freedom, &c. 

" Faith, love and duty, 

Grace and its beauty," 
Be this our motto, and flourish we must! 

Freedom then will shine afar 

As our nation's cliosen star — 
Long live the gi eat and free, God is our trust. 

Chorus.— Shout for freedom, &c. 

Wave on in glory — 

Bright be thy story. 
Flag of Columbia! pure gem of the Avest 

May thy victories ever be : 

Peace, good will and harmony — 
Long live the great and free, happy and blest. 

Chorus.— Shout for freedom, &c. 

Our Uniontovexevl 

Naught can dissever: 
Bright constellation of unfading ray, 

May thy splendor ever beam- 
Idol of the patriot's dream— 

Chorus.— Shout for freedom, &c. 



SONGS OF THE G. A. R. 83 



l>OWNTHE RIVER. 

Oh ! the river is up, and the channel is deep, 

And the wind blows steady and strong; 
Let the splash of your oars the measure keep, 

As we row the old boat along. 
Oh ! the water is bright, and splashing like gold. 

In the ray of the morning sun, 
And old Dinah's away up out of the cold, 

A getting the hoe-cake done. 
Oh ! the river is up, and the channel is deep, 

And the wind grows steady and strong: 
Let the splash of your oars the measure keep, 

As we row the old boat along. 

CHORUS. 

Down the river, down the river, 

Down the Ohio ; 
Down the river, down the river, 

Down the Ohio. 

Chorus repeated. 

Oh ! the master is proud of the old broad-horn, 

For it brings him plenty of tin ; 
Oh ! the crew they are darkies, the cargo is corn, 

And the money comes tumbling in. 
There is plenty on board for the darkies to eat. 

And there's something to drink and to smoke; 
There's the banjo, the bones and the tamborine, 

There's the song and the comical joke. 
Oh ! the river is up, and the channel is deep, 

And the wind blows steady and strong; 
Let the splash of your oars the measure keep, 

As we row the old boat along. 

Chorus.— Down the river, &e. 



84 ODES, HYMNS AND 



OliD FOLKI^ AT HOM£. 

Way down on the Svvanee ribber, 

Far, far away, 
Dere's wha my heart is turning ebber, 

Der's wha de old folks stay. 
And up and down the whole creation, 

Sadiy I roam ; 
Still longing for de old plantation, 

And for de old folks at home. 

Chorus— All de world am sad and dreary, 
Ebry where I roam ; 
Oh ! darkies, how my heart grows weary, 
Far from de old folks at home. 

All round de little farm I wandered, 

When I was young ; 
Den many happy days I squandered. 

Many de songs I sung. 
When I was playing wid my brudder, 

Happy was I ; 
Oh! take me to my kind old mudder, 

Dere let me live and die. 

Chorus. — All de world am sad and dreary, <fcc. 

One little hut among de bushes, 

One dat I love. 
Still sadly to my memory ruslies, 

]S"o matter where I rove. 
When will I see de bees a humming, 

All round de comb? 
Wlien will 1 hear de banjo tumming, 

Down in my good old home ? 

Chorus. — All de world am sad and dreary, &c. 



SONGS OF THE G. A. R. 



85 



THE DRUMMER OF AKTIETAM. 

{Air— ''The Last Rose of Summer r 

The drummer of Antietam, 

Lays, dead and alone, 
Upon the cold hattle-field. 

Where his blood liath tlown ; 
:No friends mourn around him, 

No comrades are near, 
To lament his early fate, 

Or o'er him shed a tear. 

Now the moon faintly beams. 

On the spot where he lays, 
Making his features more ghastly. 

With its misty rays ; 
Wliile hundreds sleep near him. 

In death's icy chain, 
Who've fought their last battle, 

AVho'll ne'er wake again. 

And thus are the brave, 

Cut off in their bloom, 
And manhood's hopes crushed 

In the cold tomb! 
But they shall be cherished. 

In the hearts of the free, 
As true martyrs of justice, 

And sweet Liberty. 



86 ODES, HYMNS AND 



THE BA^rWER OE THE EREE. 

God bless the banner of the free, 
The flag our fathers gave us— 
The stars and stripes on land and sea — 

God bless our flag and save us. 
For where our country in her might, 

Bears up that flag above us, 
We strike for God and for the right, 
Our homes and those that love us. 
Ciiomrs— Float forever in the skies. 
Freedom's starry banne. ! 
Shout, where'er that banner flies, 

Liberty's Hosanna! 
Liberty to all the race. 

Freedom now and ever, 
Here be freedom's dwelling place— 
This her flag for ever ! 
The names that star the nations on, 

To break the tyrants fetters. 
Are written, all its folds upon, 

In never fading letters — 
And publish there, in words of light, 

The triumphs of our story. 
While beams from all its hues so bright 
The radiance of our glory. 

Chorus. — Float forever, &c. 
The p'lgrim here, from every clime, 

Beneath that flag rejoices — 
And endless years of coming time 

Shall echo to its voices. 
Free soil, free men, free faith, free speech, 

O'er all our lands and waters. 
The Stars and Stripes shall ever teach 
To all our sons and daughters. 






SONGS OF THE G. A. R. 



Chorus.— Float forever, &c. 

Then for our flag. Hurrah ! Hurrah I 

And for the man who bore it, 
Till all the foes of light and land, 

Are overthrown before it, 
And now they're coming up once more, 

Though daily growing weaker, 
Seeing their leaders toasting now, 

The Union in full beaker. 

Chorus. — Float forever, &c. 



A ISOI.DIER TO-SflGHT IS OUR GIJKST. 



Fan, fan the gay hearth, and fling back the barr'd door, 
Strew, strew the fresh rushes around on the floor. 
And blithe be the welcome in every breast. 
For a soldier— a soldier to-night is our guest. 

All honor to him, who, when danger afar 
Had lighted for ruin his ominous star. 
Left pleasures and country, and kindred behind. 
And sped to the shock on the wings of the wind. 

If you value the blessings that shine at our hearth — 
The wife's smiling welcome, the infant's sweet mirth- 
While they charm us at eve, let us think upon those 
Who have bought with their blood, our domestic repose. 

Then share with a soldier your hearth and your home. 
And warm be your greeting whene'er he shall come ; 
Let love light a welcome in every breast, 
For a soldier— a soldier to-night is our guest. 



88 ODES, HYMNS AND 



THE FL,AG OF THE FREE. 



jS'obly our flag flutters o'er us to-day, 

Emblem of peace. Pledge of Liberty's sway ; 
Its foes shall tremble and shrink in dismay, 

If e'er insulted it be! 
Our Stripes and Stars, loved and honored by all, 

Shall float forever where freedom may call ; 
It still shall be the Flag of the Free, 

Emblem of sweet Liberty! 

CHORUS. 

Here we will gather its cause to defend; 

Let Patiiots rally and wise counsel lend; 
It still shall be the Flag of the Free, 

Emblem of sweet Liberty ! 

With it in beauty no flag can compare ; 

All nations honor our banner so fair. 
If to insult it a traitor should dare, 

Crushed to the earth let him be! 
Freedom and progress our watchword to-day: 

When duty calls, who dares disobey ? 
Honor to Thee, Thou Flag of the Free, 

Emblem of sweet Liberty ! 

Chorus.— Here we will gather, &c. 



SONGS OF THE G. A. II. 89 

MOTHER KII^^i:i> ME I^ MY DREAM. 

A young soldier who v/as severely wounded at the battle of Antietam, 
^ lay at one of the hospitals at Frederick. A surjjeon passing by his bed- 
side, and seeing his boyish face lighted up with a peaceful smile, asked 
him how he felt. "Oh ! I am happy and contented now," the soldier 
replied, "last night, mother kissed me in my dream ! " 

Ljang on my dying bed, 

Throngh the dark and silent night, 
Praying for the coming day, 

Came a vision to my sight ; 
Near me stood the forms I loved, 

In the sunlight's mellow gleam ; 
Folding me unto her breast, 

Mother kissed me in my dream ; 
Mother, Mother, 
Mother kissed me in my dream ! 

Comrades, tell her, when you write, 

That I did my duty well ; 
Say that, when the battle raged, 

Fighting in the van I fell ; 
Tell her, too, when on my bed, 

Slowly ebbed my being's stream, 
How I knew no peace until 

Mother kissed me in my dream. 

Mother, mother, &c. 

Once again 1 long to see 

Home and kindred far away ; 
But I feel I shall be gone 

Ere there dawns another day! 
Hopefully I bide the hour 

When will fade life's feeble beam. 
Every pang has left me now, 

Motlier^kissed me in my dream! 

Mother, motlier, &c. 



90 ODES, HYMNS AND 



^VE'VE DRAIICK FROM THE SAME 
CAXTEE^. 



BY MILES O KILEY^, EDITOR OF " NEW YORK CITIZEN.' 



There are bonds of all sorts in this world of ours, 
Tetters of friendship and ties of flowers. 

And true lovers' knots, I ween. 
The boys and girls are bound by a kiss, 
But there's never a bond, old friend, like this: 
We have drank from the same canteen. 
Chorus— The same canteen, my soldier friend, 
The same canteen ; 
There's never a bond like this : 
We have drank from the same canteen. 
It was sometimes water and sometimes milk, 
Sometimes applejack, fine as silk ; 

But whatever the tipple has been. 
We shar'd it together in bane or in bliss, 
And I warm to you, friend, when I think of this: 
AVe have drank from the same canteen. 

Chorus.— The same canteen, &c. 
The rich and the great sit down to dine, 
And quaff to each other in sparkling wine, 

From glasses of crystal and green ; 
But I guess in their golden potations they miss. 
The warmth of regard, to be found in this: 
We have drank from the same canteen. 

Chorus.— The same canteen, &c. 
We've shared our blankets and tents together. 
And marched and fought, in all kinds of weather. 

And hungry and full we've been ; 
Had days of battle and days of rest, 
But this memory I cling to and love the best : 
We have drank from the same canteen. 

Chorus.— The same canteen, &c. 



SONGS OF THE G. A. K. 91 

For when wounded I lay on the outer slope, 
Witli my blood flowing fast, and but little hope 

On which my faint spirit migiit lean ; 
O! then I remember, you crawl'd to my side, 
And bleeding so fast, it seemed both must have died. 

We drank from the same canteen. 

Chorus.— The same canteen, &c. 



ElililSWORTH. 



Hark to the trumpet' shrill calling. 

It pierces the soft summer's air. 

Tears from each Zouave is falling. 

For the brave, gallant Ellsworth was there. 

CHORUS. 

Thy bayonets are earthward turning. 
And the drum's muflled breath rolls around 
But he hears not the voice of the mourning, 
Xor awakes to the bugle's sound. 

Ellsworth, why did thy country call thee ? 

It needed the true and the brave. 

Why did this evil befall thee ? 

Why shrouded thy form for the grave. 

Chorus.— The bayonets, &c. 

Sleep Ellsworth, now a nation mourns thee. 
The first to depart to the fray ; 
liOng ere this nation shall forget thee, 
Or thy name from the eartli pass away. 

Chorus.— The bayonets, &c. 



92 ODES, HYMNS AND 



ANJ^ SO Wll^Ii THE BOYS IIX BL,UE. 



The bugle call rings loud and clear, 

And loud the rolling drum; 
Our comrades haste to seek their posts, 

The time for work has come; 
The beacon lires burn bright again, 

They flash on every hill ; 
From sea to sea the shout goes up, 
We march to victory still ! 
Chorus — Hurrah! hurrah I for our noble cause! 
Hurrah for our leaders true ! 
We'll stand by the men who stood by the flag, 

And so will the Boys in Blue. 
And so will we all, and so will we all. 

Our pledge we now renew ; 
We'll strike once more for the cause we love. 
And so will the Boys in Blue! 
Thiough gloomy years of bloody strife. 

We've battled side by side; 
AVith brave, true hearts and sinewy arms 

V\'e've stemmed each fi'ry tide. 
Eternal Justice nerv'd us then, 

And give the conquering will; 
With hearts aflame, and God our trust. 
We strike for Justice still. 

Chorus.— Hurrah, hurrah, &c. 
Our motto, equal rights to all ; 

The ballot shall be free ; 
Who stakes his life to save the flag. 

May vote with you and me. 
We'll ask him not his birth or kin. 

Or prate about his hue, 
But every man unstained with crime, 
May vote with Boys in Blue. 

Chorus. — Hurrah, hurrah, &c. 



SONGS OF THE G. A. R. 93 



THE RETIRE© SOl^DIER. 



The retired soldier, bold and brave, 

Now rests his vvearj^ feet, 
And in the shelter of the grave, 

• Has found a safe retreat ; 
To him the trumpet's piercing breath, 

To arms, they call in vain ; 
For quartered in the arms of death, 

He'll never, never march again. 

Chorus— March, march again, march, march again, 
March, march again, march, march again, 
For quartered in the arms of death. 
He'll never, never march again. 

A day when he left his father's home. 

The charms of war to try. 
O'er regions hath he had to roam, 

No friend or mother nigh. 
But still he marched contented on, 

Met danger, death and pain. 
And now at rest, all danger's o'er. 

He'll never, never march again. 

Chorus.— March, march, &c. 

The sweets of spring by beauteous hand. 

Lay scattered on his bier. 
Whilst listening round his comrades stand. 

Gave honest Ned a tear. 
Whilst lovely Kate, for Ned's delight, 

Chief mourner of the train. 
Cried, as she viewed the solemn sight, 

He'll never, never march again. 

Chorus.— March, march, &c. 



94 ODES, HYMNS AND 



COIiUMBIA'S APPEAIi. 



(Air.—'' Vive La Compagnie") 

Come all ye true Union men rally again, 

Gather, my boys in blue! 
And all the sweet maidens wake up the dear men, 

Gatlier, my boys in blue ! 

Chorus -Gather, gather, gather again! 
Gather, gather, gather again I 
Gather again ! Gather again ! 
Gather my boys in blue! 

Let none of my enemies call in my name ! 

Gather my boys in blue ! 
Come as when Sumpter guns called you, you came, 

Gather my boys in blue! 

Chorus.— Gather, &c. 

Come, and again win Columbia's thanks, 

Gather, my boys in blue! 
Follow Old Glory and lill up the ranks. 

Gather, my boys in blue! 

Chorus.— Gather, &c. 

Sure that you love me, I call upon you. 

Gather my boys in blue ! 
You who have ever been loyal and true, 

Gather my boys in blue! 

Chorus.— Gather, &c. 

Deep in your hearts your best love is for me, 

Gather my boys in blue! 
Shall not your country forever be free ? 

Gather my boys in blue! 

Chorus.— Gather, &c. 



SONGS OF THE G. A. R. 95 

They who have sowed should the good harvest reap, 

Gather my boys in blue! 
They who have won will the prize safely keep, 

Gather, my boys in blue ! 

CiioPvUS.— Gather, &c. 

Truth shall go forward my army to lead, 

Gather, my boys in blue! 
Union to help him, and both will succeed, 

Gather, my boys in blue! 

Chorus.— Gather, &c. 



THE FL,A« OF OUR UII^IOX. 



" A song for our Banner," the watchword recall, 

AVhich gave the Republic her station, 
United we stand, divided we fall! 

It made and preserved us a nation. 
The union of lakes, the union of lands, 

The union of states none can sever ; 
The union of hearts, the union of hands, 

And the Flag of our union forever and ever! 
The flag of the Union forever! 

What God in His infinite wisdom designed. 

And armed with republican thunder. 
Not all the earth's despots and factious combined, 

Have the power to conquer or sunder: 
The union of lakes, the union of lands, 

The union of states none can sever : 
The union of hearts, the union of hands. 

And the flag of the Union forever and ever; 
The fiag of the Union for ever! 



96 ODES, HYMNS AND 



OUR BOY !§► A ^VAKHSOK I\0\V 



Go brave heart, and say "Good bj'e." 

Tliink when the ckirion note is heard, 
Of our lov'd Wasliington, and try 

Be brave and prompt, at the battle word. 
Your Mother bids you go, dear lov'd one, 

Our holy precepts remember now, 
God of Battle will w^atch o'er thee, 

Go, my boy, be a warrior now\ 

Chorus— Our hearts are sad, good bye, good bye. 
Think of our country and manly vow; 
God of Battle, will watch o'er thee, 
O'er our boy that's a warrior now. 

Our boy wiien he left us, said: 
A brave soldier, dear mother, I'll be. 

Fear not. for one that's above. 

Will watch over our dear country and me. 

If in defence of right, 1 die, 
Lay with me the flag, that now I vow 

To liold, while strength in me doth lie. 
For your boy is a warrior now. 

Chorus.— Our hearts, &c. 

Will tliis dread strife never end, 

'Twixt brothers dear and kindred so near? 
Will our hearts ne'er cease to ache. 

With cruel doubts and anxious fear. 
For brave hearts that have left their homes. 

Who have forsaken the Pen and Plough, 
To fi^ht for country and her rights, 

With our boy tliat's a warrior now. 

Chorus.— Our hearts, &c. 



SONGS OF THE G. A. R. 97 

THE SWORD OF BUNKER HII.L.. 

Copied by permission of Ku.ssell &.Tolman, 291 Washington St., 
Boston, owners of the copyriglit. 

He lay upon his dying bed, 

His eye was growing dim. 
When with a feeble voice he call'd, 

His weeping son to him : 
"Weep not, my boy," tlie veteran said, 

" I bow to Heaven's high will, 
But quickly from yon antlers bring, } j^j^pj^^^ 

The sword of Bunker hill." f 

The sword was brought, the soldier's eye 

Lit with a sudden flame ; 
And as he grasp'd the ancient blade, 

He murmur'd Warren's name; 
Then said, " My boy, I leave you gold, 

But what is richer still, 
I leave you, mark me, mark me, now, } -oppp , ,p 

The sword of Bunker hill. !•' ' ' " 

" 'Twas on that dread, immortal iVdy, 

I dared the Briton's band, 
A captain raised this blade on me, 

I tore it from his liand ; 
And wliile tlie glorious battle raged, 

It lighten'd freedom's will. 
For, boy, the God of Freedom bless'd [ p j.pp . ^ 

The sword of Bunker hill. ) ' 

"Oh ! keep the sword," his accents broke, 

A smile, and lie was dead ; 
But his wrinkled hand still gras])'d the blade, 

Upon that d\ing bed. 
Tlie son remains, the sword remains, 

Its glory growing still, 
And twenty millions bless'd the s:re } j^^pp * rr. 

And sword of Bunker hill. 
1 



98 ODES, HYMNP AND 



BRAVE BOYS ARE THEY. 

Heavily falls the rain. 

Wild are the breezes to-night; 
But 'neath the roof the hours, as they fly, 

Are happy and calm and bright; 
Gatliering- round tlie tire-side, 

Though it be summer lime, 
"We sit and talk of brot lers abroad, 

Forgetting the midnight chime. 

Chorus— Brave boys are they, 

Gone at their country's call ; 
And vet, and yet we cannot forget 
That many brave boys must fall. 

Under the homestead roof, 

Nestled so cozy and warm, i 

While soldiers sleep with little or naught * 

To shelter them from the storm. 
Resting on grassy couches. 

Pillowed on hillocks damp ; \ 

Of martial fare how little we know, 

Till brothers are in the camp ! 

Chorus.— Brave boys are they, &c. 

Thinking no less of them. 

Loving our country the more, 
We sent^them forth to figlit for the flag. 

Their fathers before them bore. 
Though the great tear-drops started, 

This was our parting trust; 
God bless you! boys: we'll welcome you home, 

When rebels are in dust. 

Chorus.— Brave boys are they, &c. 

May the bright wings of love 
Guard them wherever they roam, 

The lime has come when brothers must fight, 
And sisters must pray at home. 

Oh ! the dread field of battle- 
Soon to be strewn with graves ! 

If brothers fall, then bury them where 
Our banner in triumph waves ! 

Chorus.— Brave boys are they, S^c. 



SONGS OF THE G. A. R. 



99 



SrAVEBY HAS FAI.I.E1^. 

Don't you see de black clouds 

Kising ober yonder, 
Where de niassa's ole plantation am , 

Neber yon lie frightened, 

Dem is only darkies. 
Come to jine and fight for Uncle Sam. 

Chorus— Look out dar now, 

We's gwine to shoot, ^ ... 

Look out dar, don't you understand '^ 

Slavery has fallen, slavr ry has fallen, 
An' we's a gwine to occupy de land. 
Don't you see de lightning 
Flashing in de canebrake. 
Like as if we's gwine to hab a storm .'' 
;N'o, you is mistakin, 
'Tis de darkies bayonets. 
An' de buttons on dar uniforms. 

Chohus.— Look out dar, &c. 

Way up in de cornfield. 

Where you hear it tunder, 
Dat is our ole forty-pounder gun; 

When de shells am missen. 

Den we lode wid pumpkins, 
All de same to make de cowards run. 
Chorus.— Look out dar, &c. 

Massa was de Kernel 

In de Rebel army, 
Eber since he went and run away ; 

But his lobely darkies. 

Da has been a watchen. 
And da take him prisoner tudder da} . 
Chorus.— Look out dar, &c. 

We will be de massa, 

He will be de sarvant. 
Try him how he like it for a spell ; 

So we crack de butternuts, 

So we take de kernel. 
So de cannon carry back de shell. 

Chorus.— Look out dar, &c. 



100 ODES, HYMNS AND 



THE DRUMMER BOY OF !^HILOH. 



On Shiloli's dark and blood}^ ground, 

The dead and wounded lay ; 
Among them was a drummer bo5% 

Who beat the drum that day. 
A wounded soldier held him up, 

His drum was by his side ; 
He clasped his hands, then raised liis eyes, 

And prayed before lie died : 

Look down upon the battle-field, 

O Thou, our Heavenly friend 1 
Have mercy on our sinful souls I— 

The soldiers cried. Amen! 
For, gathered round a little group. 

Each brave man knelt and cried — 
They listened to the drummer boy. 

Who prayed before he died. 

O Mother! said the dying boy, 

Look down from Heaven on me ; 
Receive me to to thy fond embrace— 

Oh! take me home to thee— 
I've loved my country as my God ; 

To serve them both I've tried — 
He smiled, shook hands— death seized the boy 

Who prayed before he died. 

Each soldier wept, then like a child — 

Stout hearts were they, and brave — 
The Flag his winding sheet— God's Book, 

The key unto his grave. 
They wrote upon a simple board 

These words : this is a guide 
To those who mourn the drummer boy, 

Who prayed before he died. 



SONGS OF THE G. A. R. 101 

Ye, Angels 'round the throne of grace, 

Look down upon the braves, 
Who fougiit and died on Shiloh's plain, 

]^ow slumbering in their graves. 
How many homes made desolate! 

How many hearts have sighed ! 
How many like that drummer boy. 

Who prayed, before he died ! 

MASSA'S 1^ THE COL.D OKOlJlfD. 

Eound de meadows am a ringing 

The darkies' mournful song. 
While the mocking bird is singing, 

Happy as the day is long, 
Where the ivy is a creeping, 

O'er the grassy mound, 
There old massa is a sleeping, 

Sleeping in the cold, cold ground. 
Chorus— Down in the corn-field, 

Hear that mournful sound, 

All the darkies are a weeping— 
Massa's in the cold, cold ground. 
When the autumn leaves were falling, 

When the days were cold, 
'Twas hard to hear old massa calling, 

Cause he was so weak and old. 
;N ow the orange tree is blooming 

On the sandy shore, 
^ow the summer days are coming, 

Massa never calls no more. 

Chorus.— Down in the corn-field, &c. 
Massa made the darkies love him, 

He always was so kind, 
Now tliey sadly Aveep above him, 

Mourning, for he leave them behind. 



102 ODES, UYMNS AND 



BEXNYHAVEXS, OH. 



"Benny Havens" was for many years a contraband seller of liquors 
and viands to the "West Point Cadets," and in course of time, was ex- 
pelled from the immediate precincts of the military academy. He then 
opened a regular establishment a mile or two south of West Point, which 
has been a favorite pl-ice of resort for Cadets on a convivial party, "sans 
permissione." The lamented O'Brien, formerly a sergeat in the army, 
was commissioned as a lieutenant in the "Eiglith Infantry." Before or 
while about joining his regiment, he stopped at West Point to visit an 
early friend of his, the late Major Ripley A. Arnold, then a first-class 
Cadet, residing at No. 32, "Paie de Cockloft." in the old North Branch. 
They made frequent excursions to "Benny's." The song was composed 
by O'Brien, Arnold, and others of the class, became, as it is now, and 
ever will be, extremely popular with all graduates who ever learned the 
way to "Benny Havens" during their academical course at West Point. 

A Graduate. 

Come, lime your voices comrades, and stand up in a row, 
For to singing sentimentally, we are abont to go. 
In the army there's sobriety, promotion very slow, 
So we'll sigh our reminiscences of Benny Havens, Oh ! 

Chorus— ! Benny Havens, O ! O ! Benny Havens, ! 

We'll sigh our reminiscences of Benny Havens, O I 
0! Benny Havens, O! O! Benny Havens, O! 
We'll sigh our reminiscences of Benny Havens, O ! 
Let us toast our foster father (the Republic as you know,) 
Who in the paths of science taught us upwards for to go ; 
And then the maidens of ourland, whose cheeks with roses 
glow, [Havens, ! 

Whose smiles an I tears were sung 'mid cheers, at Benny 

Chorus.— ! Benny Havens, &c. 
To the ladies of the Empire State, whose hearts and al- 
bums too, [do. 
Bear sad examples of the wrongs that stripling soldiers 
We bid a sad adieu, our hearts with sorrow overflow, [vens,0 ! 
Our loves and rhymings had their source at Benny Ha- 
Chorus — 0! Benuy Havens, &c. 



SONGS OF THE G. A. K. 103 

Of the smile-wreathed maids with virgin lips, like roses 

dipped in dew, 
AVho are to be our better halves we'd like to take a view ; 
But sufficient to the bridal day is the ill of it, you know. 
So we'll cheer our hearts with chorusing old Benny Havens ! 
CnoKus.— 0! Benny Havens, &c. 

To the ladies of the army, our cups shall overflow! 
Companions of our exile, and our shield 'gainst every woe ! 
We throw the gauntlet in their cause, and taunt the soulless 

foe, 
Who'd hesitate to drink to them, and Benny Havens O! 
Chorus.— ! Benny Havens, &c. 

May we never lack a smile for friend, or stern heart for a foe, 
May all our paths be pleasantness, wherever we may go ! 
May the muster-roll of after years report us "statu quo," 
And goodly samples of the age, of Benny Havens O ! 

Chorus.— ! Benny Havens, &c. 

Oh remember, gallant comrades, as o'er the past we go, 
The ties that must be cu^ in twain, as o'er life's sea we row! 
The hearts that throb in unison must moulder down below, 
And laughing lips lie mute that wagg'd at Benny Havens ! 
Chorus.— O ! Benny Havens, &c. 

'Tis said by commentators, when to other worlds 'We go. 
We follow the same handicraft we did in this below, 
If this be true philosophy (the sexton, he says no), 
What days of dance and song we'll have at Benny Havens 1 
Chorus.— O ! Benny Havens, &c. 

As the ruby-tinted dahlia owes its purest, briglitest glow, 
To the warmest rays that Sol can pour upon it here below, 
So our hearts acquire new joyousness from brilliant eyes 

that throw 
The genial rays upon our souls, and Benny Havens O ! 

Chorus— ! Benny Havens, &c. 



104 ODES, HYMNS AND 



IVBITE A liETTER TO MY MOTHER. 

Words by E. Bowers. Music by P. B. Isaacs. 

An Officer, captured at the battle of Bull Ruu, relates the following 
incident. After our capture, I observed a Federal prisoner tenderly cared 
for by a rebel soldier. I gleaned, from their convers tion, that they were 
brothers. The brave boy, while battling for the Union, received his death 
wound from his own brother, at that time a private in the rebel ranks. 
Never shall I forget the look of utter despair depicted upon that rebel's 
face ; the dying boy, with a smile of holy reignation, clasped his 
brother's hand, spoke of their father wlio was then fighting for their dear 
old flag, of mother, of home, of childhood— then, requesting his brother to 
write a letter to mother, and imploriug him never to divulge the secret of 
his death, the young hero yielded up his life. 

Eaise me in your arms, my brother, 

Let me see the glorious sun ; 
I am weary, faint and dying, 

How is the battle— lost or won ? 
I remember you, my brother. 

Sent to me that fatal dart : 
Brother fighting against brother, 

'Tis well— 'tis well that thus we part. 

Chorus— Write a letter to my mother, 

Send it when her boy is dead; 
♦ That he perished by his brother, 
Kot a word of that be said. 

Father is fighting for the Union, 

And you may meet him on the field : 
Could you raise your arm to smite him ? 

Oh! could you bid that father yield! 
He who loved us in our childhood. 

Taught the infant prayers we said! 
Brother take from me a warning, 

I'll soon be numbered with the dead. 

Chorus— Write a letter, &c. 



I 



SONGS OF THE G. A. R. 105 

Do you ever think of mother, 

In our home within the glen, 
Watching, praying for her children? 

Oh ! would you see that home again? 
Brother, I am surely dying, 

Keep the secret — for 'tis one, 
That would kill our angel mother, 

If she but knew what you had done ! 

Chorus.— Write a letter, &c. 



'STAX1> BY THE F1.AO.' 



Words by Jno. N. Wilder, Esq. Music by Henry Tucker. 

Music of tliis Song published in the Radical Drum-Call. 

Stand by the flag, its folds have streamed in glory ; 

To foes a fear, to friend a festal robe. 
And spread in rhythmic lines and sacred story, 

Of freedom's triumphs over all the globe. 
Stand by the flag, on land and ocean bilJow ; 

By it your fathers stood unmoved and true, 
Living defended, dying, from their pillow, 

With their last blessings passed it on to you. 

Stand by the flag though death-shots round it rattle 

And underneath its waving folds have met. 
In all the dread array of sanguine battle. 

The quiv'ring lance and glitt'ring bayonet. 
Stand by the flag, all doubt and treason sconiiug, 

Believe with courage firm, and faith subliwio. 
That it will float until tli' eternal morning 

Pales in its glories all the lights of time. 



106 ODES, HYMNS AND 

OrB FIFEK-BOY. 

{Air.— ''James Bird, or, Dying Calif ornianJ') 

While the battle hot was raging, 
And the shot and shell did fly, 

And smoke around our rigging curling, 
Then I heard a piercing cry. 

Close beside me lay our fif er ; 

From his bosom spouted blood ; 
There he lay pierced by a bullet ; 

Dying in a crimson flood. 

Shipmates, said he, tell my father. 
Tell him I died like a man. 

Died in battle for my country. 
While blood, around, in torrents ran. 

Tell my mother, gently tell her. 
Lest the news should break her heart ; 

Tell her that lier son will meet her. 
Where we never more shall part. 

Oh! how sad I am to leave her! 

How she'll mourn about my loss4» 
Her Charlie never more will greet her, 

J^ever more the ocean cross I 

Tell my sister, (Heaven bless her!) 
That her brother is no more. 

Hand in hand, no more we'll ramble, 
On Old Hudson's pleasant shoi e ! 

Tell my brother, in the army, 
On Potomac's sunny shore, 

That our navy is victorious. 
And we'll be so evermore ! 

Here he paused— and ceased from talking, 
Gently yielded up his breath ; 

A heavenly smile lit up his features. 
And his eyes were closed in death ! 



SONGS OF THE G. A. R. 107 



THE FliAG OF FORT SUMTER. 

(Air. — "Star Spangled Ban7ierJ') 

O s 'y, have you heard liow the Fhig- of our sires 
Was insulted by traitors, in ])oastf ul alliance, 
Wh^'U for Union's dear cause, over Sumter's red fires, 
In front of Rebellion it waved its detianceV 
Over Sumter i? flew. 
Over patriots true, 
AJid throuGfh all that fierce conflict still dearer it grew. 
'Tvvas tlie flag of Fort Sumter! we saw it still wave 
O'er the heads of the free and the hearts of the Brave! 

Tliat banijer so bright, it was nailed to its mast, 

As a sijn that for Freedom there's still no surrender; 
And the staff that up-bore it in battle's dread blast. 
Yet remains to be raised l)y its gallant defender! 
Over Sumter it flew, 
Over Anderson ti ue. 
And through all the dark conflict still dearer it grew. 
'Twas the Flag of Fort Sumter! O long may it wave 
O'er the heads of the Free and the hearts of the Brave! 

When in Union's dear name, freedom's cause to sustain, 

Round our Washington's form, half a million assembled, 
In the Statue's proud liand, high unrolled once again, 
Rose the Flag that in danger's front never had trembled! 
Streaming heavenward it flew. 
Over patriots true. 
And though torn from the conflict, still dearer it grew. 
'Twas the Flag of Fort Sumter! we saw it still wave 
O'er the heads of the Free and the hearts of the Brave! 

There are fields yet to win, there are conflicts to fight, 
Till the foes of our Union are vanquished forever! 
But the flag that was nailed over Sumter's red height. 
From the staff that UDlield it no traitors can sever; 
It shall fly as it flew, 
Over patriots true. 
Whilst our oaths for the Union beneath we renew; 
For the Flag of Fort Sumter in glory shall wave 
O'er the liea'ds of the Free and the hearts of the Brave ! 



108 ODES, HYMNS AND 



THE UWIO]\^ OATH, 



BY A. J. H. DUGANNE. 



Music of this Song publisliecl in the Radical Drum-Call. 

A voice o'er tlie land goes forth ! 
'Tis the voice of a nation free! 
To the East and tiie West and the South and the Xorth, 
Rolling on like the sounding sea! 
'Tis the voice of the Free ! 

'Tis the shout of the True, 
As they swear by the Flag, 
Of the Red, AYhite and Blue. 
Chohus — To be true to the Union for ever! 
Do you hear what it saith, 
By the bugle's breath ? 
To be true to the Union forever. 
When Royalty vanquished fled, 

And the Patriot's power was born. 
We surrounded our flag o'er the graves of our dead. 
And the first union oath was sworn! 

'T was the oath of the Free — 
'Twas the oath of the True— 
And they swore by the Flag, 
Of the Red, white and Blue. 

Chorus.— To be true to the Union, &c. 
Rhode Island the clarion blew. 

And Connecticut swelled the blast — 
Pennsylvania re-echoed to Jersey's haroo, 
And to (Georgia the war-cry past! 
'Twas the cry of the Free — 

'Twas the sliout of the True; 
And they swore by the Flag 
Of the Red, White and Blue, 

Chorus.— To be true to the Union, «&c. 



SONGS OF THE G. A. K. 109 

Virginia the crown o'ertrod, 

Massacliusetts the sceptre broke ; 
Troni tlie brave Carolinas the trump went abroad, 
And New York with a shout awoke ! 
'Twas a shout of the Free! 

"Twas a word of the True! 
And they swore by the Flag 
Of the Red, White and Blue. 

Chokus.— To be true to the Union, &c. 



COL.1JMBIA RULES THE SEA. 



Words by Josiah D. Cajtning, "Peasant Bard." 
Music by Hknry Tucker. 

The pennon flutters in the breeze, 

Tlie anchor conies "apeak," 
" Let fall, sheet home," the briny foam, 

And ocean's wastes we seek. 
The booming gun speaks our adieu, 

Fast fades our native shore. 
CiiORTTS— Columbia free, shall rule the sea, 
Britannia ruled of yore. 
AVe go the tempest's wrath to dare. 

The billows maddened play, 
Now climbing high against the sky, 

Now rolling low away, 
While Yankee Oak bears Yankee hearts, 

Courageous to the core. 

Chorus.— Columbia free, &c. 
We'll bear her flag around the world. 

In thunder and in flame, 
The sea-girt isles a w^reath of smiles, 

Sliall form around her name, 
The winds shall pipe her peans loud, 

The billowy chorus roar. 

Chorus.— Columbia free, &c. 



110 ODES, HYMNS AND 



THE BOIi!> VOt-UXTJEER. 



Air:— "The Bold Soldier BoyT 

O, there's no use now in sighing, 
Or crjing— 

Or shying— ^ 

For traitors are defying 
The flag we liold so dear ! 

And there's not a girl we love, sir. 
Though timid as a dove, sir. 
That will not cast the glove, sir, 
AVhen treason walks so near; 

With all her charms, 
She'll rouse to arms; 
With love's alarms- 
She cries 

Arise ! 
Your country is in danger, my bold Volunteer! 

Oil, there's work, boys, to be done, 
I^Ione may sliun — 
None will run— 
There's a battle to be won 
For the land we hold so dear! 

And if one there be who'd falter. 
Or shrink from freedom's altar, 
His end may be a halter. 
His meed a felon's b er; 

Whilst far away, 
In Freedom's fray. 
We'll win the day, 
And fly 
On high. 
The flag that's left in keeping of the Bold Volunteer! 



SONGS OF THE G. A. R. Ill 

O ! we're off to meet the f oemen,— 
Each yeoman 
A Koman; 
Awaj^ from the pleasant homes and 
The scenes we hold so dear ; 

But the hearts we leave behind us 
In memory's ties sliall bind us, 
Of kindred to remind us, 
And friendship's joys sincere ; 
In battle's reel, 
'Mid clash of steel, 
And trumpet's peal. 
We'll hear, 
So clear, 
The voices that are praying for the Bold Yolunteer! 

And when to drum and life. 
From the strife, 
Full of life, 
Back to sweetheart and to wife 
We shall march with songs of cheer. 

Oh! the joys that then will meet us, 
The smiles that then will greet us. 
The lips that will entreat us, 
With kisses doubly dear ! 

Such royal pay, 
On victory's day, 
Might make us pray 
For war, 

Once more, 
To call again to conflict the Bold Volunteer! 



112 ODES, HYMNS AND 



I DREAMED MY BOY WAS HOME AGAIN. 



Lonely, weary, broken-hearted, 

As I laid me do\Yn to sleep. 
Thinking of the day we parted, 

When you told me not to weep ; 
Soon I dreamed that peaceful Angels 

Hovered o'er the battle-plain. 
Singing songs of joy and gladness. 

And my boy was home again. 

Chorus— How well I know such thoughts of joy, 
Such dreams of bliss are vain! 
My heart is sad my tears will flow. 
Until mj' boy is home again. 

Tears were changed to loud rejoicings, 

Night was turned to endless day, 
Loving birds were sweetly singing. 

Flowers blooming in light array; 
Old and young seemed light and cheerful, 

Peace seemed everywhere to reign, 
My poor heart forgot its sorrow ; 

For, my boy was home again! 

Chorus.— How well I know, &c. 

But the dream is past: and with it 

All my happiness is gone : 
Cheerful thoughts of joy have vanished, 

I must still in sorrow morn ; 
Soon may peace with all its blessings, 

Our unhappy land reclaim, 
Then my tears will cease their flowing, 

And my boy be home again ! 

Chorus.- How well I know, &c. 



SONGS OF THE G. A. K. 113 



COMRADES, WE COME Ol^CE MORE. 

FOR DECORATION DAY. 

Comrades, we come to yon once more, 
With only an oft'ring of flow'rs ; 
The fondest of mem'ries still are held 
Engraved in these hearts of ours. 
Brothers, we come with sweetest tiow'rs, 
Bedewed with the tears of many sad hours ; 
Fought thou and died thy country to save, 
Earth has no pow'r beyond the grave. 

REFRAIN. 

Comrades we come to you once more, 
With only an ofti'ring of llow'rs ; 
The fondest of mem'ries still are held 
Engraved in these hearts of ours. 

Now as we stand beside your graves. 
Our tho'ts turn to days that are past; 
So noble and brave you did defend 
Our dear country to the last. 
Out from your homes, the nations pride ; 
You fought for the right, you bled and died ; 
The nation now mourns its soldiers brave, 
With flowers we now bedeck your grave. 

Refrain.— Comrades we come, &c. 



114 ODES, HYMNS AND 



THE BRAVE, XOBI.E A]!(ID TRUE." 



DECORATION HYMN. 

There's a vacant niche in the heart, 
In some shady nook a grave, 
A marble to point out the spot. 
And tell what that sad heart gave 
When our country called for her sons, 
The brave, the noble and true. 
To defend with their valiant arms. 
The precious Red, White and iilue. 

REFRAIN, 

Brave young heroes now sleeping, 
Our hearts are filled with grief, filled with grief; 
As these graves this day we're strewing. 
With sweet bud, flow'r and leaf. 

This morn in sweet, balmy May, 
AVith fragrance of flow'rs so fair, 
We greet as the dear, sacred day, 
When we to these graves repair ; 
Where many hearts beat as one, 
In sorrow, heart felt and true. 
For the brave young heroes now mourn, 
Who died for the Red, White and Blue. 

Refrain.— Brave young heroes, &c. 

There's an empty chair in each home, 
Folded garments are now laid by, ^ 

And a voice tho' now hush'd in the tomb, 
Still echoes to us back our sigh ; 
There's a hope we've laid up in lieav'n 
For him long passed from our view. 
Whose life so freely was giv'n. 
To save the Red, White and Blue. 

Refrain.— Brave young heroes, &c. 



I 



SONGS OF THE G. A. R. 115 

God raiseth the lovely flow'rs, 
'Tis thus smileth He from above ; 
And lightens this pathway of ours, 
With those sweet tokens of love. 
And with loving hands did we weave 
Tliese garlands of rainbow hue, 
And on the brave hero's grave leave, 
The fragrant Ked, White and Blue. 

Refrain. — Brave young heroes, &c. 



H1TSHEI> O'ER THIS SACRED FIELD OF 
MOUIJCDS. 



MEMORIAL HYMN. 

Hushed o'er this sacred field of mounds ; 
And all the conflict's distant sounds, 
Nor roll of drums, nor cannon's roar, 
Alarm our silent comrades more ! 
From darkened homes in sadness borne ; 
From southern plains all battle torn ; 
From mountain march, and midnight tramp, 
They reached at last this peaceful camp. 

By this pure lake, where bud and leaf 

Surround the symbols of our grief, 

Their graves we strew with May's fair flow'rs, 

AVhose lives went out to sweeten ours. 

So as the spring-times come and end, 

And early blossoms blush and bend, 

Shall loving footsteps, year by year, 

AVith fresh memorials linger here. 

Oh, may some happy spring-time bring 
Heaven's blessed calm upon its wing, 
When peace shall reign from shore to sliore. 
And war's red ensign float no more. 



116 ODES, HYMNS AND 



BRIS^O MY^ BROTHER BACK TO ME. 



Bring my brother back to me, 

When this war is done ; 
Give us all the joys we shared, 

Ere it had begun ; 
Oh ! bring my brother back to me, 

Never more to stray ! 
This is all my earnest prayer, 

Through the weary day. 

Chorus— Bring him back, bring him back, 
With his smiling, healthful glee; 
Bring him back, bring him back. 
Bring my brother back to me ! 

All the house is lonely now, 

And my voice no more, 
In the pleasant summer eves, 

Greets him at the door. 
Nevermore I liear his step 

By the garden gate, 
While I sit in anxious tears. 
Knowing not his fate. 

Chorus. — Bring him back, &c. 

Bring my brother back to me. 

From the battle strife; 
Thou who watchest o'er the good, 

Shield his precious life ! 
When this war has passed away, 

Safe from all alarms ; 
Bring my brother home again, 

To my longing arms ! 

Chorus.— Bring him back, &c. 



SONGS OF THE G. A. R. 



117 



GOD IfS WITH THE KIOHT. 

Words by Maurice Bixgham. Music by Emil Stabler. 

The music of this song is published by E. H. HardiiiM, 288 Bowery, 

Price 10 cents. 



Columbia, land of freedom's birth, 

On many a battle plain, 
Tliy sons have crush'd the foe to earth, 

It shall be so again. 
For when foul Treason rears its head 

And dares assert its right, 
Its cohorts yet shall learn to dread, 
Tlie Northmen in their might. 
CHORUS. 
To arms we fly, and this the cry to nerve us in the fight ; 
Our cause is just, succeed we must, 
God is with the right. 

Though reb'el hosts have dared to crave 

Dominion o'er our seas. 
Our star speck'd flag alone shall wave 

Triumphant in tlie breeze. 
A million Patriot swords are drawn, 

And scabbards cast aside. 
To battle for the Union sworn. 

For which our fathers died. 

Chorus.— To arms we fly, &c. 
A stalwart band of freemen bold 

Arouse at duty's call. 
Our Constitution to uphold 

And by it stand or fall ; 
Ere long again o'er land and main, 

Our glorious flag unf url'd, 
Columbia free once more shall be, 

A beacon to the world, 

Chorus.— To arms we fly, &c. 



118 ODES, HYMNS AND 



HURRAH FOR THE WHITE, RED AKI> 
BI.ITE. 



Hush'd is the clamorous trumpet of war, 

Ilush'd hush'd is the trumpet of war; 

The soldier's retired from the claugor of arms. 

The drum rolls a peaceful hurrah. 

'Tis cheeriug to thiuk on the p:ist, 

'Tis cheeriug to thiuk we've been true, 

'Tis cheering to look on our stars and our stripes, 

And gaze on our white, red and blue. 

Hurrah for the wliite, red and V)]ue, 

Hurrah for the white, red and blue, 

'Tis cheering to look on our stars and our stripes. 

And gaze on our white, red and blue. 

Here's a sigh for the brave tliat are dead, 

Here's a sigh for the brave tliat are dead. 

And who would not sigh for the glorious brave, 

That rest on a patriot bed? 

'Tis glory for country to die, 

'Tis glory that's solid and true; 

'Tis glory to sleep 'neath our ^tars and our stripes, 

And die f(n- our white, red and blue. 

Hurrah for the white red and blue, 

Hurrah for the white, red and blue, 

' ris glory to sleep 'neath our stars and our stripes. 

And die for the white, red and blue. 

Here's freedom of thought and of deed, 

Here's freedom in valley and phiin, 

Tlie first song of freedom that rose on our hills, 

Our sea-shore re-eclioed again. 

'Tis good to love country and friends, 

'Tis good to be honest and true: 

'Tis good to die shouting, on sea or on shore, 

"Hurrah for the white, red and blue," 

Hurrah for the white, red and blue. 

Hurrah for the white, red and 1)1 ue, 

'Tis good to die shouting, at sea or on shore, 

" Hurrah for the white, red and blue ! " 



SONGS OF THE G. A. R. 119 



SliEEPIXG FOR THE FI^AO. 



\ 



When our boys come home in triumph, brother, 

Witli the laurels they shall gain, 
AVhen we go to ^ive them welcome, brother, 

We shall look for you in vain. 
We shall wait for your returning, brother, 

Tliough we know it cannot be, 
For your comrades left you sleeping, brother, 

Sleeping 'neath that Southern tree. 

Chorus— Sleeping to awaken 

In this weary world no more, 
Sleeping for your true loved country, brother, 
Sleeping for the flag you bore. 

You who were the first on duty, brother, 

When, to arms ! your leader cried. 
You have left the ranks forever, brother, 

You have laid your arms aside. 
From the awful scenes of battle, brother, 

You were set forever free, 
When your comrades left you sleeping, brother. 

Underneath that Southern tree. 

Chorus.— Sleeping to awaken, &c. 

You have crossed the clouded river, brother. 

To the mansions of the blest, 
Where the wicked cease from troubling, brother. 

And the weary are at rest. 
Surely w^e would not recall you, brother, 

Though w^e know it cannot be, 
When we think of you as sleeping, brother. 

Underneath tliat Southern tree. 

Chorus.— Sleeping to awaken, &c. 



120 ODES, HYMNS AND 

TRKAD I.IGHTL.Y O i5R TUl^tR GRAVES. 

HYMN FOn DECORATION DAY. 

O comrades, bring the choicest tiowers 

Of incense breatliing May ; 
AVith fragrant buds and laurel wreaths, 

We'll deck tlieir graves to-day. 
The starry flag o'er many mounds 

Above the low grass waves, 
There lightly step 'tis hallowed ground, 

Tread lightly o'er their graves. 

Refrain.— Step lightly where the starry flag 
Above the low grass waves, 
For there our gallant comrades sleep. 
Tread lightly oe'r their graves, 

How well they loved the starry flag, 

Their gallant deeds attest ; 
They saved their country from her foes, 

And won their honored rest. 
Then deck the turf where e'er the flag 

Above the gvevn mound waves. 
For there our country's heroes sleep. 

Tread lightly o'er their graves. 
Eefrain.— Step lightly wliere the starry flag, &c. 

While we let fall the tear to-day 

That tells our country's loss, 
Far in the East in strife are met 

The Crescent and the Cross. 
But peace o'er fair Columbia 

Her olive garland waves. 
They bought that peace whose mounds we deck, 

Tread liglitly o'er their graves. 
Refrain.— Step lightly where the starry flag, &c. 



SONGS OF THE G. A. R. 121 



U:sr€I.E SAM. 



(Air. — Yankee Doodle.) 

There is an independent cliap that lives this side the water, 

To serve or beat a foe, he is a reguhir snorter ; 

He keeps an open house to all, to all gives invitation, 

To enter in and taste the sweets of freedom wid de nation 

In the year of '76, his daddy made him mad, sir, 

By trying to impose on him, so he licked his dad, sir; 

His daddy's name was Johnny Bull, who at him kept on 

pickiii'. 
Until the year 1812, when he got another lickin', 

The Southerners they did secede, so into them he pitches. 
And Grant and Sherman down he sends, who licks 'em out 

der britches ; 
If any other nation tries, while thinking him a noodle, 
To tread upon his corns, he'll give him Yankee Doodle. 

Although he's young, he's mighty big and daily growing 

bigger, 
And if any of you have seen this chap, you can't mistake 

his figure, 
His dress is made of stars and stripes, about him there's no 

sliam, sir. 
For what lie says he's bound to do, and that is Uncle Sam, 

sir. 



I2^TI^E2^. 



PAGE. 

A Thousand Years 27 

America 33 

Answer to "Who will Care for Mother Now?" 36 

A Welcome to the Soldiers 43 

A Bold, Brave Crew— Song of the Sea 62 

A Soldier To-night is Our Guest 87 

And so Will the Boys in Blue 92 

Badge Ode 6 

Battle Hymn of the Republic 21 

Bummers Come and Meet Us 52-53 

Brother's Fainting at the Door 80 

Bring my Brother Back to Me 116 

Benny Havens, Oh 102-103 

Brave Boys are They : 98 

Camp Fire Ode 7 

Closing Ode 8 

Comrades i am Dying 59 

Columbia the Gem of , &c 70 

Columbia's Appeal 94 

Comrades, we Come Once More 113 

Columbia Rules the Sea 109 

Do They Miss Me at Home 72 

Down the River 83 

Ellsworth's Avengers 42 

Ellsworth.. 91 

Greeting Oile , 4 

Good Bye Old Arm 31 

Grafted into the Army 40 

Glory Hallelujah, No. 1 45 

" *' " 2 46 

'• " •' 3 47 

" 4 48-49 

•* " " 5 50 

God will Care for Mother Now 79 

God is With the Right 117 

Hymn for Decoration Day 10 

Hail Columbia 18 

Hail ! Our Country's Natal Morn 68 



INDEX. 123 



Hurrah for the White, Red and BUie. 118 

Hushed O'er this Sacred Field of Mounds 115 

I've Come Home to Die 39 

I Dreamed my Boy was Home Again 112 

Just Before the Battle, Mother 23 

Just After the Battle 24 

Kingdom Coming 16 

Kiss Me Mother, Kiss Your Darling 51 

Life on the Ocean Wave 65 

Long Live the Great and Free 82 

Muster-in Ode 5 

Marching Through Georgia 20 

Mother is the Battle Over 41 

Marching Along, No. 1 54 

Marching Along, No. 2 55 

My Maryland 56-57 

Mother Kissed Me in My Dream 89 

Massa's in the Cold Ground 101 

Opening Ode 3 

Hn, On, On 28 

Old Shady 29 

"Our" Maryland 58 

One at Home who Prays for Me 63 

Our Color Guard 60 

Old Dog Tray 71 

Old Folks at Home 84 

Our Boy is a Warrior Now 96 

Our Fifer Boy 106 

Star Spangled Banner 9 

Sherman's March to the Sea 26 

Stand by the Flag 105 

Sleeping for the Flag 119 

Slavery has F.illen 99 

Touch the Elbow 12 

The Army Beau 13 

The Grand Army 14 

Tramp, Tramp, Tramp 17 

The Battle Cry of Freedom 19 

The Red, white and Blue 22 

The Battle Cry ol Freedom, (Battle Song < 25 

The Faded Coat of Blue 30 

The Poor Old Slave 32 

The Vacant Chair 35 

Tenting on the Old Camp Ground 38 



124 INDEX. 

■ PAGE. 

The Old Union Wagon 61 

Tell Mother I die Happy 75 

The Life of a Soldier 76 

The Octoroon, or, Glory, Glory 77 

The Soldier's Funeral 81 

The Drummer of Antietam 85 

The Banner of the Free 86 

The Flag of the Free 88 

The Retired Soldier. 93 

The Flag of our Union 95 

The Brave, Noble and True 114 

Tread Lightly O'er Their Graves 120 

The Union Oath 108 

The Bold Volunte-^r. . . - 110-111 

The Flag of Fort Sumter 107 

The Sword of Bunker Hill -. 97 

The Drummer Boy of Shiloh 100 

Uncle Ned 69 

Unfurl the Glorious Banner 74 

Uncle Sam 121 

When Johnny Conies Marching Home 11 

Who will Care for Mother Now 15 

Wrap the Flag Around Me Boys 34 

When this Cruel War is Over 44 

Who will Care for Mickey Now 64 

AVe are Coming Father Abraham 66-67 

We Miss Thee at Home 73 

AVillie Has Gone to the War 78 

We've Drank from the Same Canteen 90 

Write a Letter to My Mother 104 

Yes I would the War were Over 37 

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We guarantee a perfect fit in every Listance. 
Agency for Mine. Demorest's Reliable Patterns. 



DEWEY & STONE 






The Oldest and Largest 



FURNITURE ESTABLISHMENT IN THE STATE. 



OMAHA, NEB 



13. J^. PIE ROY, 

Dealer in 




ST©¥IS, 
CITLEIY. 

HOUSE FU[|^^1SH1NG GOODS & GR/INITE 1R0I( WARE 



^fYS 



1211 FariKim Street, OMAHA, NEB. 
Job Woik a Specialty. 



EDHOLM & ERICKSON, 

WHOLESALE AN"D RETAIL 

iSanuf acturinq 5e\^eler6 , 

and Dealers in all kinds of American'and Imported 

AA^ATCHES. 
eiLT,+MARBLE+AND+ALABASTER+GLOGKS 

A VARTETYjALWAYS OX HAND. 

Most Complete Line of American Watches in the City. 

A Fine Line of2Swiss Gold Watches. 

Mnnufacturers of all kinds of 

BADGES. MEDALS, MONOGRAMS, &C, 

Sp'^cial care taken in supi)lying 

Optical Glasses and Spectacles 

of frreat variety, to suit every clas^ of eyes. A large stock of 

^' Solid* and 4- Silver* Plated *\Vare.5=- 

Especial attention given to repairing fine Chronometer Watches. 
When in the city, call, as it is no trouble to show good < at 

EDHOLM & ERICKSON'S, 

Opposite U. S. Post Office, Corner 15th and Dodffe Sts., 

OMAHA, NEB. n^ f 



